The 17th edition of Tomorrowland, the world’s best electronic dance music festival, kicked off with a bang on July 21-23 at the scenic recreation area of De Schorre in Boom, Belgium. The three-day extravaganza was a haven for music enthusiasts and party-goers from all around the globe. With a stellar lineup of over 750 world-renowned artists performing across 16 breathtaking stages, it was an unforgettable experience for The People of Tomorrow.
The excitement began even before the festival officially commenced, with the exclusive “Gathering” event held a day prior, setting the tone for the weekend. The official Gathering was a thrilling prelude to the main event, bringing together passionate fans under one roof to dance and bond in anticipation of the epic performances that awaited them.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Tomorrowland was the international diversity it embraced. The festival saw an impressive congregation of people from more than 200 different nationalities, uniting in their love for music and celebrating the universal language of EDM. The attendees’ shared passion created an electrifying atmosphere that resonated throughout the festival grounds.
Friday was an exceptional day at the Freedom stage, as it was hosted by none other than the legendary Eric Prydz, who brought his world-renowned HOLO show to the festival. The stage was a visual spectacle, complementing the incredible sets by Mooglie, Maxi Meraki, Mau P, Agents of Time, Meduza, Mathame, and Kolsch. Each artist delivered a performance that left the crowd wanting more.
On Saturday, the Freedom stage was hosted by Tale of Us‘ Afterlife, delivering a series of mesmerizing sets from super-talented artists. Alex Haube, 8Kays, Colyn, Kevin De Vries, Camelphat, and Adriatique graced the stage, setting the atmosphere on fire with their pulsating beats and captivating melodies.
The highlight of the night was a special show by ANYMA, who stunned the crowd with an announcement of his debut album “Genesys” during his set. Tale of Us then took the stage to close the night, leaving the audience in awe with their signature sound and skillful mixing. Meanwhile, &ME delivered a powerful closing set on Saturday at the CORE stage, leaving everyone in high spirits.
A standout moment of the festival was the mainstage performance by GORDO, who surprised the crowd by bringing out Colombian superstar Maluma, creating an electric atmosphere that had the audience going wild.
Sunday at the Atmosphere stage witnessed captivating sets by Black Coffee, Dixon, and Carlita, who enchanted the audience with their unique sounds and seamless mixing. Another exciting addition to the festival was the presence of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, performing an amazing set as DJ Diesel on the Library Stage.
On Sunday, the Mainstage was lit up by the incredible talents of the world’s number 1 DJ according to DJ Mag, Martin Garrix, who closed the festival with an explosive set and an awe-inspiring fireworks show, leaving everyone with memories to cherish.
With an incredible array of superstar artists such as Tiesto, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Lost Frequencies, Steve Angello, Nina Kraviz, Amelie Lens, The Chainsmokers, Alesso, Afrojack, James Hype, Amber Broos, Lilly Palmer, Anfisa Letyago, Timmy Trumpet, Korolova, Vintage Culture, and many more, Weekend 1 of Tomorrowland festival was an extraordinary journey through the world of electronic music, uniting people in the love of music and camaraderie. The festival’s electrifying atmosphere and remarkable performances made it a truly unforgettable experience for all People of Tomorrow.
Tomorrowland also introduced a brand-new Rise stage this year for young talents in collaboration with the Tomorrowland Academy, offering an opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their skills and shine among the superstar lineup.
Apart from the incredible music sets by the world’s most sought-after artists, Tomorrowland offered a plethora of activities to keep everyone entertained. Attendees reveled in various interactive installations, art displays, and exciting games scattered throughout the festival grounds and Tomorrowland’s camping site Dreamville. Whether it was exploring creative installations or participating in engaging activities, there was never a dull moment at Tomorrowland.
Moreover, the festival organizers ensured that the culinary experience was as exceptional as the music. Attendees were treated to a wide array of delicious meals, with some of the world’s best cuisines available from food stalls and vendors. From exotic delicacies to classic festival treats, everyone’s taste buds were catered to, adding to the overall enjoyment of the weekend.
Two culinary maestros of international acclaim graced the festival with their exceptional talents. First, there was Chef Ton, the prestigious award winner of Asia’s Best Restaurant 2023 for his restaurant ‘Le Du.’ His expertise in crafting exquisite dishes with a perfect blend of flavors and artistry was a culinary dream come true for many.
Adding to the culinary magic was the presence of Gaggan Anand, the world-renowned Indian-born celebrity chef and holder of numerous prestigious awards, making him the most decorated chef in all of Asia. His innovative approach to Indian cuisine, pushing boundaries and redefining traditional dishes, brought an exciting fusion of flavors to the festival’s food offerings.
Both these culinary luminaries hosted their own food stand at the Mesa Garden, the go-to place for festival attendees to unwind, relax, and savor scrumptious meals amidst the pulsating beats of the music and the summery ambiance. The Mesa Garden became a hotspot of delightful experiences, where the harmony of music and food merged to create an unforgettable memory for all present.
Festival-goers were spoilt for choice, indulging in a diverse array of dishes that not only catered to various palates but also showcased the artistry and passion of these esteemed chefs. From exotic delicacies to familiar comfort food with a twist, the food options curated by Chef Ton and Gaggan Anand offered a culinary journey like no other.
Another highlight was the exclusive unveiling of a brand-new sparkling wine from Tomorrowland‘s renowned Solo Vida brand. Amidst the electrifying music, mesmerizing performances, and vibrant atmosphere, festival attendees were in for a delightful surprise as they became the very first people in the world to taste this eagerly anticipated wine during the event.
Solo Vida, the festival’s own wine brand, has gained a reputation for crafting exceptional sparkling wines that perfectly complement the enchanting ambiance of the festival.
The combination of extraordinary music, mesmerizing ambiance, and a gastronomic extravaganza at the Weekend 1 of Tomorrowland festival undoubtedly created an experience that left attendees with hearts full of joy and bellies full of delightful memories.
The first weekend of Tomorrowland 2023 was undoubtedly a phenomenal success, leaving attendees with cherished memories that would last a lifetime. As the festival came to a close on the third night, hearts were filled with gratitude for the magical moments shared with friends, both old and new.
Tomorrowland once again lived up to its reputation as a dreamlike musical paradise and left its attendees eagerly anticipating the next edition. Stay tuned for more, because Weekend 2 of the festival is almost here!
