You’ve no doubt seen the photos and watched the videos (or read the incredible ‘mistaken VIP’ story). The mass gatherings of people seemingly unable to control their bodies as they dance and sweat the weekend away to the world’s greatest DJs in front of a colossal stage with fireworks and an awe inspiring light show.
180,000 people a weekend attend Belgium’s biggest events and one of electronic music’s most notorious dates on the calendar alongside Ultra Music Festival.
Even if you haven’t seen the visuals somebody has probably planted the idea into your head that this is one event that must be ticked off the bucket list.
And they would be right as ever since Tomorrowland was first held in 2005 it has been a dance event to remember, even if the inaugural edition only started off with a modest attendance of 10,000 punters.
Yet all it took was the consistent booking of big names such as Swedish House Mafia, Bob Sinclar, David Guetta, Armin Van Buuren, The Bloody Beetroots and Avicii, to name a few, and the event’s crowd size increased exponentially.
Even though many of the acts that perform at the festival are repeat headliners the demand for tickets still manages to increase as word continues to spread about the one of the world’s craziest dance parties.
That is essentially the draw card to Tomorrowland. It’s a party unlike anything you’ve ever been to before.
The tickets for the 2013 event were in so high demand that ‘Full Madness’ passes sold out in 35 minutes, while the remainder sold out reportedly in one second.
It is estimated that people from over 220 countries will travel to Belgian, while 20,000 attendees will fly to Tomorrowland through the festivals own special flight program.
Its worldwide popularity has even spawned an American spinoff TomorrowWorld, which was first held in 2013 at a farm in Georgia, just southwest of Atlanta.
You can keep watching those Youtube videos and drool over those photos, but precise planning and luck will only get you to Tomorrowland. To get you started we’ve prepared this guide.
Do your homework and you’ll be doubly rewarded.
Lineup
The biggest DJs and producers in electronic music make up the 10th anniversary Tomorrowland bill, which in 2014 runs over two weekends.
While the Friday of both weekends will see Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox, Dillon Francis and Diplo kick the festival into an ecstatic party mode Saturday has Afrojack, Alesso and Tiësto to keep things going.
On its third and final day a live set by Vitalic and performances by Dave Clarke, Steve Angello, Nicky Romero, Krewella and Erol Alkan will close the festival.
See the full lineup here.
Where And When
Tomorrowland runs over two weekends in the Belgium town of Boom in the De Shorre recreational grounds.
The first weekend runs from the 18th to the 20th of July, while the 2nd event runs from the 25th to the 27th of July.
How To Get There
The closest international airport to the town of Boom is in Brussells. Nearly all flights will include at least one or two stops along the way.
Punters have the choice of airlines such as Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Virgin Airways and Jet Airways just to name a few.
The following is a list of estimated return airfares from major Australian cities that were available at the time of writing.
Adelaide: Two-stop flights start from $2220, while three stop journeys are valued around $2700.
Brisbane: Two-stop flights start from $1500.
Melbourne: One-stop flights start from $2700, while two-stop journeys are valued around $2100.
Perth: One-stop flights start from $2700, while two-stop journeys are valued around $1700.
Sydney: One-stop flights start from $2300, while two-stop journeys are valued around $1500.
From the airport the festival runs shuttle buses to the front gate of the festival grounds. You can purchase a ticket at the airport on arrival.
Where To Stay
Camping at Tomorrowland is provided through the ‘Dreamville’ grounds with numerous options available. The prices vary depending on which package you choose. The VIP packages are naturally more expensive, those choosing the Madness option however will find differing discrepancies.
The Dreamville Pack is the basic option where you are afforded your own spot for your tent and camping gear. It’ll set you back €52,50 per person or €237,50 as included in the Madness Pass. Similarly those who are purchasing VIP tickets can choose the €437,50 Madness Comfort Pass package.
If you’re camping with friends we recommend you take a look at the ‘Friendship Camping’ page to ensure that all of your buddies are in the same camp area.
If you don’t want the hassle of setting up tents, the Easy Tents option will look after you with an a tent and mattress waiting at Dreamville upon your arrival. The basic package for a two person tent is €275 or €530 for four.
The relax room pack includes your standard tent, but with the added luxuries of a personal lockable room and a clothing rack, while you’ll also get access to a separate relaxing zone with toilet and washing facilities and a Jacuzzi. The standard price for this is €950 for two.
If you think traditional camping is slumming it than the Dream Lodge option is for you. It allows access to your very own lodge village, 24-hour reception staff, fully equipped beds, a personal power outlet, interior lighting and extra storage space. This is a four person option with the standard price valued at €1900.
If you thought the Dream Lodge was luxurious think again. The Mansion option wins out in this race. Prices are only available via email enquiry ([email protected]) with everything from a jacuzzi, butler service, a cleaning service, a living area with sofa and dining table, 12 beds, a mini kitchen with a fully stocked fridge and espresso machine, a private bath and shower room and a private lounge terrace included.
How To Get Tickets
The bad news is that all tickets to Tomorrowland have all been snapped up. The good news? You may be able to buy resale tickets in the lead up to the event. The program runs on a first come first serve basis so make sure you sign up ASAP. You can do so by following this link.
The ticket prices vary depending on the strength of the Australian dollar when you purchase, although a GA weekend pass will set you back around $360, while a VIP ‘Comfort Pass’ is worth upwards of $660. Camping options start from $440 with all the specifics detailed above.
Insider Tips & Tricks/Things You Shouldn’t Miss
Food and drinks at Tomorrowland are bought in the festival’s own ticket currency. While waiting in two different lines for a beer might seem like a hassle the festival is selling BoozeBags for €50 which is a collectors item bag that includes 35 food and drink tickets.
As with all big festivals we can’t recommend their apps enough. It’s the easiest way to access a timetable, artist information, map and news throughout the event. Just turn your phone on airplane mode and conserve your battery for the weekend!
However if your phone still runs low on battery you can hire a portable phone charger for eight tokens and when you return it you get seven tokens back.
At the Dreamville camping site punters will get access to an information desk, a BBQ area, showers, lockers and first aid. But its most important feature is the supermarket and food stalls, which allows you to buy food and supplies that you may have left at home.
There are ATMs around the festival site so you won’t have to worry about carrying around large wads of cash, although be wary of the ATM fees you may incur. You can also buy food and drink tickets via credit card at ticket desks and ticket vending machines throughout the Dreamville and festival sites.
Dreamville campers should also take note of ‘The Gathering’, which is held on the Thursday night before the festival kicks off. This warm-up party will give you a great opportunity to acquaint yourself with the other 25,000 campers. Belgian acts will provide the music to get you into the Tomorrowland mood.
Freshpoint stations are set up all throughout Tomorrowland and most punters agree that they’re the best toilet facilities you’re likely to find at any festival. Not only are the toilets flushable and stocked with plenty of toilet paper there are also staff at each station with men’s and women’s deodorant spray. How considerate of them!
When an event draws 180,000 people from around the globe the food stalls at a festival have to cater for a diverse crowd. That means vegetarians, vegans and gluten free eaters are all thought of. There’s a wide variety of grub to choose from, whether that be the staple Belgian fries or fresh sandwiches they’ve got you covered. There’s even a steakhouse if you’d prefer a sit down restaurant dining experience.
For more details head to the official Tomorrowland website.
