Tomorrowland: The Mecca of Music Festivals

Tomorrowland: The Mecca of Music Festivals

Tomorrowland is not just any music festival; it is THE music festival, and it’s No. 1 for a reason. From its first run in 2005 with many losses, Tomorrowland has become the Mecca of music festivals with revenue in the millions and 600,000 people from across the world attending. 

An event of this magnitude did not reach success overnight; it had to undergo many trials and errors till it could become the best music festival in the world.

Genesis of Tomorrowland

The first Tomorrowland Festival was in 2005 at Boom, Belgium. (Image source:

EDM fan or not, Tomorrowland is known to everyone - from its fantastical set design to the throngs of EDM music lovers it attracts over two weekends yearly, Tomorrowland has come a long way since its beginnings in 2005.

Tomorrowland is the brainchild of Belgian brothers Manu and Michiel Beers. They started small by promoting the first-ever Tomorrowland by pasting posters all over chip shops and pita shops in Flanders.

Despite aiming for a crowd of 15,000 only 8,700 people showed up in 2005; in 2023, it was over 600,000. This remarkable growth speaks volumes about the festival's appeal and how it has captured the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.

The iconic ‘Book of Wisdom’ main stage in 2012.  (Image source:

In 2012, 100,000 tickets were sold within a second, a testament to how well the festival was done. This lightning-fast sellout showcases not only the festival's popularity but also the remarkable demand for a unique and well-organized event like Tomorrowland.

The festival's humble beginnings show the incredible journey it has undertaken, transitioning from a small-scale promotional effort to a global sensation.

Strategic Success: Planning and Organising

A subset of Tomorrowland 2023 (Image source:Tomorrowland)

Success wasn't overnight; with smart planning and thorough organizing, the brothers have been able to make the daytime music festival the behemoth it is today. Behind the scenes, meticulous planning, and attention to detail have played a crucial role in shaping Tomorrowland into the spectacular event it has become.

A Global Gathering

A subset of Tomorrowland 2023 (Image source:Tomorrowland)

The festival is attended by people from around 200 countries and has a set list of 600 DJs performing. Tomorrowland's international appeal unites people from diverse cultures under the banner of music, creating an unparalleled sense of unity and shared experience.

A Global Stage: Sri Lanka's Representation

Selectro, Sri Lankan DJ duo performed at the 2016 Tomorrowland in Belgium. (Image source:

Local house duo Selectro represented Sri Lanka at the 2016 Tomorrowland Festival titled The Elixir of Life. Tomorrowland isn't just a music festival; it's a stage that provides artists from around the world the opportunity to showcase their talent on a global scale.

The 2016 Tomorrowland festival, ‘The Elixir of Life’. 

Tomorrowland's evolution from its humble origins to becoming the epitome of music festivals is a testament to visionary planning, unwavering dedication, and a deep understanding of what festival-goers crave. Its captivating set designs, pulsating music, and worldwide community make it an unparalleled experience. 

A subset of Tomorrowland 2023 (Image source:Tomorrowland)

From drawing only a few thousand attendees to accommodating hundreds of thousands from every corner of the globe, Tomorrowland has woven itself into the very fabric of music culture. As we anticipate each new edition, we can only imagine the heights to which this extraordinary event will continue to soar. 

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