TOMORROWLAND SHARES AFTERMOVIE FOR 2021 VIRTUAL FESTIVAL
Last month's event featured sets from Armin van Buuren, Amelie Lens and more
Tomorrowland has unveiled an official aftermovie for its 2021 virtual festival, Around The World.
The virtual event, the second online edition after last year's debut, replaced the in-person festival which had been due to take place in Belgium, but was officially cancelled in June due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Armin van Buuren, Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, Afrojack, Tale Of Us and Kölsch were among the DJs to contribute sets to this year's virtual festival, which spanned 35 hours of music, and took place last month.
The aftermovie, which you can watch below, takes in tracks from Nicky Romero, Mind Against and Kölsch, among others, and offers a visual trip back to Tomorrowland's fantastical world of Pāpiliōnem, which was created especially for the event.
Last month, Tomorrowland shared the full archive of sets, for two weeks only, and revealed that viewers in Germany, Belgium, the USA, the Netherlands and France accounted for the highest viewing share over the weekend of the event, in that order.
A NEW RECORD STORE IN LONDON LETS YOU INSTANTLY PRESS YOUR MUSIC TO VINYL
The new shop is the UK home of Jack White’s Third Man Records
A new record store in Soho, London will let visitors record their music directly to vinyl. Third Man Records — the third global office for Jack White’s label of the same name — will open on 25th September 2021. It has been designed by the ex White Stripes frontman, and aims to be “a physical space to help keep record sales and live performances alive after such a tough period for everyone”.
The two-level store will open on Marshall Street, and alongside a set of exclusive record releases and merch, it’ll also feature a live venue called The Blue Basement. There’ll also be a recording booth that will let you press your recordings straight to vinyl. It’ll be Third Man Records’ third location, after shops in Nashville and Detroit.
Find out more about the new store here.
Vinyl sales continue to rise in the UK, with another 16% climb in the first quarter of 2021.
A-TRAK AND RANE ANNOUNCE NEW BATTLE MIXER COLLAB
I’m a big believer that every classic piece of kit should have a signature feature, something that sets it apart from the rest.
A-Trak
SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION
The SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION is a meticulously designed remix of the popular RANE SEVENTY DJ mixer. Internationally renowned DJ, turntablist, and producer, A-Trak, played an integral part in the mixer’s creation, handpicking the features, signature sound, and look of what he considers to be the ultimate mixer for the future of turntablist performance.
SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION || MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACEPLATE
The exterior of the SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION features a stunning silver finish that gleams beneath the aluminum-capped rotary-styled knobs and encoders. Custom font-faces and elements adorn the mixer, but the real magic lies beneath the surface. The sound curve and frequency response of the mixer was handcrafted by A-Trak himself, increasing the depth of the low-end to ensure that the high-quality audio matches his signature sound. Simply put, the SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION sounds like nothing you’ve ever experienced before!
SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION || PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING FADER FX
“I’m a big believer that every classic piece of kit should have a signature feature,” says A-Trak, “something that sets it apart from the rest.” Enter Fader FX, a new mixer feature that transforms the channel volume faders into linear controllers for performance effects like Filter, Roll, Pitch, Ring-Modulator, and four types of Oscillators. DJs can dive deep into the settings of these Fader FX options to change root keys, octaves, and more, crafting a personalized set of tools to take with them to their next performance or battle.
SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION || BUILT ON THE SEVENTY’S SOLID FOUNDATION
The SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION was built upon the solid foundation of the RANE SEVENTY, known for its intuitive layout and best-in-class performance. The same solid-steel construction that makes the SEVENTY a battle-standard mixer is found in the SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION along with the same premium MAG FOUR faders and MPC-style Performance Pads. All of the other features that make the original SEVENTY the mixer of choice for discerning DJs are in the SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION as well, including easy access to Serato’s Scratch Bank, external crossfader tension adjustment, and six post-fader internal Flex FX (including Fader FX) which can layered with Serato DJ Pro’s Software FX.
The SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION mixer sets a new standard of what a championship battle mixer should be and will undoubtedly bring a new level of creativity, artistry, and style to DJ performances and battles across the globe.
SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION || HIGHLIGHTS
· Exclusive A-Trak designed silver solid-steel exterior with premium rotary-style aluminum-capped knobs
· Up-fader controlled Fader FX with 4 tone generators for advanced performance creativity
· Signature A-Trak sound curve with custom low-end frequency response and industry leading signal-to-noise ratio of 114dB
· Special 10” Serato Sticker Lock vinyl is included along with custom-designed sticker set
· (6) post-fader internal Flex FX stackable with Serato DJ Pro software FX
· Dual diecast, rotatable aluminum FX paddles
· (3) MAG FOUR contactless faders with external control for crossfader tension-adjustment
· 16 performance pads with independent pad modes for each channel (includes Scratch Bank support)
EXPLORE THE SEVENTY A-TRAK SIGNATURE EDITION HERE
How are clubs and promoters approaching a safe return to the dancefloor?
Clubs across England opened dancefloors for the first time in 16 months during the early hours of Monday morning (19th July). But while people hit clubs, the sense of relief and celebration is mixed with trepidation for many, in part due to contradictory messaging from the UK Government and rising coronavirus cases across the country. At a crucial time for club culture, Martin Guttridge-Hewitt asks: how are clubs and promoters approaching reopening week?
“The clowns in Government have abdicated responsibility,” says promoter Rich Reason, a matter of days before the return of his storied Manchester party, Hit and Run. “We now have to muddle through, best we can, balancing our worries and our needs, our presents and our futures.”
“As we embark on these — quite possibly short lived — weeks of reacquainting ourselves with clubbing, dancing and the freedom this culture manifests, let’s still be conscious and responsible. Take tests regularly, be aware that people will have different levels of comfort when it comes to touching, and be kind to all those working,” he continues, highlighting the collective responsibility “freedom weekend” entails.
Plenty has changed since UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to safely bring the country out of lockdown. Not least the date ‘freedom’ returned. Clubs in England were initially meant to reopen from 21st June, a timeline extended to 19th July, in part so more people could receive coronavirus vaccinations. That plan worked: over 7.5million jabs were administered between then and now. Elsewhere, though, numbers are less encouraging. At the time of writing, the UK has had a rolling average of 45,462 new COVID-19 cases per day for the past week, figures on an upward trajectory, edging closer to January’s second wave peak of almost 60,000 daily infections.
Nevertheless, venues across England opened dancefloors for the first time in 16 months during the early hours of Monday morning. The theory is, with 87% of English adults having had one dose of an approved vaccine, and 67% now ‘double-jabbed’, rising cases won’t put the same strain on health services as before. But while punters hit clubs, the sense of relief and celebration is mixed with trepidation for many.
Statements from Downing Street grew increasingly cautionary and blurred as 19th July approached. A 12th July Johnson-led press conference told the public they would be “expected to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with those you don’t normally meet.” Meanwhile, when venues opened on 19th July, the Government was “urging nightclubs and other venues with large crowds to make use of the NHS Covid Pass proving either vaccination, a negative coronavirus test result, or natural antibodies from a previous infection”. That same evening, in a dramatic u-turn, it was announced that from September a double coronavirus vaccination will be required to enter English venues.
According to Statista, the UK now tops world rankings for testing, showing public engagement in mass screening remains high. But recommendations are just that — advisory. With no national regulations in place, promoters and venues have been left in a difficult last minute position, navigating complex information, clamouring for resources, and aware any outbreaks could close not only their own venue, but the entire sector, again. So how are clubs and promoters approaching reopening day?
“A real worry in the industry is that we’re going to be scapegoated,” says Simon Denby of nomadic party Percolate, ahead of three sessions this weekend — Subb-an, Bobby Pleasure and Mariiin at Colour Factory, and Jaguar at Venue MOT Unit 18, both in London, alongside Ross From Friends at Patterns in Brighton. “I think the messaging needs to be much better around things like lateral flow tests. I’m double vaccinated, and still doing lateral flows several times a week. Normally every other day. And that’s what we are advising our teams to do also.
“It has certainly been very challenging, and frustrating with the lack of Government clarity. They have really put a lot of the pressure of decision making onto event operators and venue owners. Rather than having a standard that’s the same for everyone,” says Denby, before moving on to talk about the Government u-turn. “I think it’s a sensible way to do things. Especially as everyone has the option to be vaccinated now who is in our audience. So it’s a really big thing and a good idea for keeping venues open and safe, which has to be the priority right now. I think this whole ‘Freedom Week’ is a little bitter sweet, the way the Government has handled it, the rise in infections and the stress that is going on is really ramping up, but I’m feeling cautiously optimistic.”
David Conde, head of marketing and communications at FOLD, has also been extremely busy preparing for the club's marathon reopening in London. Over the weekend, FOLD Extended runs for 18 hours from Friday night, drum & bass institution Rupture then takes over Saturday, before UNFOLD finishes up on Sunday. The club released its coronavirus policy on Tuesday 20th July, requesting proof of negative lateral flow or PCR test, even with full vaccination. Masks are encouraged inside, with complimentary face coverings available, and a “COVID officer” keeping surfaces sanitised. Staff must also be tested, and keep their masks on.
“It’s not easy, it’s not clear, but throughout the whole pandemic we have learnt that nothing is clear. It’s a new pandemic. Nobody has faced this before so it’s complicated to understand,” says Conde of work right now. “We trust our community, as well, that they will take the right precautions, and once they are in the venue we are going to make sure all the little bits will be implemented smoothly.
“It’s in everyone’s hands to prove the Government wrong, and say ‘this is a club, it’s no different from going to Wembley with however many people, or going to the races with the fucking fox hunters'. It’s on the club, the dancers. Everyone needs to do a little bit, but we are confident,” he continues, moving to how the crew are feeling. “We are really excited more than anything. FOLD is not a business. We are a community here, and so reopening is not getting back to business. Opening our doors is bringing all our community together under one roof to share those moments once again.”
Although not under any one roof, Manchester’s Meat Free restarts this weekend with an outdoor day party at The Progress Centre. The techno collective are among the city’s most prominent teams, and had planned for a local lineup until other events began announcing imported headliners. Berlin stalwarts Freddy K and The Lady Machine are now down to play, alongside rapidly rising North West talent Yant, and residents. And travel has posed a logistical nightmare.
“The number one problem was waiting until the last minute to make sure travel can happen. We got past that, then the issue is one artist is half-vaccinated, the other fully,” says Alice Woods, AKA aalice, one quarter of the Meat Free crew. She explains, even with another promoter in London hosting both artists the night before — and therefore sharing financial burden — costs have risen dramatically due to late flight bookings, and extra accommodation needs, to meet UK entry requirements.
“The German double vaccine passport isn’t accepted at the UK border, or there’s no clarity about whether it is, so the artists are actually here in the UK quarantining already,” she continues, explaining this could impact future dates. “Now we are really looking at our line-ups for the rest of the year. We don’t know how long this will go on for in terms of PCRs. It’s not that we are against it, it’s just ridiculously expensive and even people from other countries cannot benefit from being double vaccinated here.”
According to The Journal of Infectious Diseases, by February 2021 just 10% of COVID-19 cases had been traced to outdoor transmission. Nevertheless, Woods is quick to point out that, while her session is outside, people should take precautions. “The only way we are going to protect the industry is by making sure everyone going to the events is negative. For us, because the party is outdoors — and obviously we know the risk of transmission is greatly reduced outside — we’re not asking for proof, but we are strongly asking people to test. And we are encouraging people to wear masks. Especially places like the toilet blocks.”
Like Denby, Woods sees a Government failing on emphasising that tests are routine parts of life, and ensuring supplies are maintained. “The messaging around regular testing seems to have dropped away, and it’s only venues, cultural leaders, and artists that are pushing for this. I saw earlier that the lateral flow tests had run out, which in a way is good, because it shows there’s a willingness in the public to do that. We always get blamed when everything goes wrong, but actually I think the take-up rate, the compliance of the public, has been quite high. And I think at the start [of the pandemic the Government was] surprised at that. But if you’re engaged and can’t even get a lateral flow test, where do you go from there?
"We had momentum and a good reputation before, we’ve always worked really hard to make sure people felt comfortable at our nights," she continues, clarifying that while there have been many hurdles, the focus remains on delivering something truly special for all those in attendance. "I think with so many unknowns we want to provide that experience of music that people have missed so much.”
Alongside house music stalwart Yousef, Rich McGuinness was behind The First Dance, two Liverpool warehouse raves in May that formed part of the UK Government’s Event Research Programme [ERP] — a series of mass gatherings used to assess transmission risks. This weekend their regular series, Circus, returns to Merseyside, with events on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th July, headlined by Jamie Jones and Paul Woolford. DJ Mag asks about the differences of reopening now compared to the trials.
“The only thing that has really changed is the ticketing. For the ERP it was one ticket per person, that was to do with the data... there were some complications with how Government could store the data,” he explains, before running through safety measures for this weekend. “Cashless bars, plastic screens to protect staff, all staff in public areas will be masked, sanitisation points. All that stuff we were doing then we will continue with. That’s just going to be normal from now on.”
McGuinness recounts how “the atmosphere was so positive” at the trials, the crowd understanding how lucky they were to be there, and the part they had to play in making the events a success. While expecting a similar attitude for these new shows, he’s quick to point out experience — and budget — count for much in COVID-era clubbing.
“The problem you’ve got is that when we were first able to reschedule events we were told this would be without any restrictions. Then for this grey area of passes, no passes, testing, no testing... for them to blur the line at the last minute is just a ridiculous complication,” says McGuinness. "When you have ten days notice, and nobody is really being clear with you, how are people meant to pivot? It’s alright for us, we’ve been through it once, but most of these people haven’t worked in 18 months. Where are they supposed to get the resources from?”
Stuart Glen runs The Cause, which is already up and running thanks to the team's determination. The venue requires proof of a negative lateral flow test for entry registered with the NHS online, and revellers must present a photo of this with faces visible, as well as ID, on arrival. On-site testing using donated lateral flows is in operation, at a cost of £10, to encourage testing at home — with any proceeds going to charity. He’s clear on the biggest concerns, and why conscientiousness and trust are crucial right now.
“My biggest concern is having a team to operate. It’s everyone’s choice whether they want to come down and be in a crowded environment. But if I don’t have a team then I can’t operate. If they can’t work then I can’t do anything... if staff get Covid, or have to isolate, what happens?” he asks, before summarising the way forward for an already-beleaguered culture, made up of businesses that can’t afford further closures.
“Just do whatever you can, basically. You’ve got to open, you have to trade, the system has to come back to life... we have to get through this," he continues. As our conversation comes to a close we ask: how did it feel to finally fire up the rig and welcome ravers into the club? “We opened on Sunday, and it was great. Amazing. People were really open, having it, and just loving it."
MINISTRY OF SOUND ANNOUNCES FUNDRAISER FOR BOBBY & STEVE’S STEVE LAVINERE FOLLOWING RARE BRAIN INJURY
The event will raise funds to facilitate Laviniere's rehabilitation and future care
Ministry of Sound have announced a fundraiser for Steve Laviniere of Bobby & Steve.
The English DJ and producer recently suffered a rare brain injury called acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis after contracting COVID-19 in March 2020. The diagnosis has caused a Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness, leaving Laviniere unable to communicate or move his body.
Aiming to raise funds to facilitate Laviniere's rehabilitation and future care, Dance For Stevie takes place at Ministry of Sound on 3rd October and will feature sets by friends and collaborators including David Morales, Norman Jay MBE, Barbara Tucker, Trevor Nelson, Dave Lee and many others. Check out the full line-up below.
Bobby & Stevie are best known as pioneers of soulful house with their KISS FM slot, Garage City and enduring Groove Odyssey label and club event.
“I first met Bobby & Steve when I first went to London in the late 80’s," said David Morales. "Bobby & Steve have and still play a pivotal role in the world of house music in the UK. Respect.”
“The love & respect of family & friends is hard-earned," added Simon Dunmore. "For over 30 years Steve has promoted good times, great music, supported and been at the forefront of a great London scene, created communities, bringing people together, made them dance…made them smile. As father. As DJ. As an entrepreneur. As a man. I feel & see nothing but respect & love for Steve.”
Tickets for Dance For Stevie are on sale now. There is also a GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for Laviniere's rehabilitation.
Ministry of Sound have also recently partnered with sleep and meditation app Calm for a new series of chillout-focused mixes.
Chicago house legend Paul Johnson is in an intensive care unit (ICU) after becoming infected with COVID-19.
CLUBS IN ENGLAND CAN REOPEN FROM 19TH JULY, UK GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS
"It is absolutely vital that we proceed now with caution, and I cannot say this powerfully or emphatically enough — this pandemic is not over"
The UK Government has confirmed that nightclubs in England can reopen on 19th July, with most remaining COVID-19 restrictions to be removed as previously outlined.
Limits on the number of people who can meet inside will end, and face masks will no longer be required — although people are urged to continue wearing coverings on public transport and in other crowded settings. Businesses, including events, are also being advised to use vaccine passports.
The news comes as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the country, but crucially experts now say the successful vaccine rollout has severed the link between infection rates, hospitalisations, and deaths.
"If not now, then when," said Health Secretary Sajid Javid in a Westminster address on Monday (12th July), warning infections could reach 100,000 per day after reopening, but that health services should not be overwhelmed by this because severe illness will be reduced as a result of inoculations.
"As a matter of social responsibility, we are urging nightclubs and other venues with large crowds to make use of the NHS COVID pass, which shows proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or natural immunity as a means of entry," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in the latest Coronavirus Update, broadcast by the BBC earlier today (12th July).
"It is absolutely vital that we proceed now with caution, and I cannot say this powerfully or emphatically enough — this pandemic is not over. This disease, coronavirus, continues to carry risks for you and your family. We cannot simply revert instantly from Monday 19th of July to life as it was before COVID," he said.
Across Europe and the US, societies are slowly attempting to reopen. In Spain, clubs are operating again, with rules set on a regional basis — last week Catalonia announced it was closing indoor venues again after a brief spell during which parties were possible. Meanwhile, in Berlin, restrictions recently began easing, with Berghain using its outdoor dancefloor for the first time in months last weekend. Find out how nightlife workers feel about the return of events in our long read on the complex situation facing staff in the industry.
WIN A PAIR OF DAS AUDIO ALTEA-412
UNTOLD FESTIVAL REVEALS FIRST PHASE OF 2021 LINE-UP
Romania's largest festival returns for another year
Romania's largest festival, UNTOLD, is set to return this summer, and it's now been revealed that the likes of Afrojack, David Guetta, Jamie Jones B2B Loco Dice and Tale of Us will be performing at the event.
Taking place across four days and nights from the 9th to the 12th September in Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania, UNTOLD hopes to welcome over 300,000 guests from 120 different countries, and is one of the only festivals to take place this year with unlimited capacity.
Alongside the aforementioned acts, Amelie Lens, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Paul Kalkbrenner will play across the mainstage, Galaxy stage, and Alchemy stage, as well as rominimal favourites Rhadoo and Raresh, and UK drum & bass duo Chase & Status.
There are still a number more stage lineups to be revealed and more names to be added across each stage on site. Find out more information and buy tickets here, and check out the first wave line-up below.
TOMORROWLAND 2021 CANCELLED BY BELGIAN OFFICIALS
Several Belgian politicians are reportedly working on solutions to overturn the decision
Update 18/06/2021: Tomorrowland have shared a statement with DJ Mag clarifying the circumstances surrounding the local government's decision to not allow the festival to go ahead this year. Read it below.
Tomorrowland 2021 has been cancelled by Belgian officials.
Just weeks after Tomorrowland's organisers told Billboard they were feeling "very positive" about its 2021 real world events, the mayors of Boom and Rumst — where Tomorrowland is held annually — have placed a ban on this year's event happening amid concerns over rising coronavirus cases internationally.
In a press conference in Belgium on Thursday (17th) officials told reporters that while they regretted the decision to force the ban on Tomorrowland, they would need to follow "current law", and after considering the dangers of the recent COVID-19 Delta variant outbreak, they had decided that Tomorrowland was too great a risk to public health and safety.
Speaking yesterday, Jeroen Baert (N-VA), mayor van Boom, said: "We are concerned about the health situation. We bear a great moral responsibility. I would find it difficult if there were victims due to a local corona outbreak. That is why we cannot approve this application now. The experts have been very clear to us, we can't ignore that."
Tomorrowland's 2020 instalments were cancelled due to the pandemic, and 2021's edition had already been moved to later in the year to try and avoid postponement. Speaking with VRT news, Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen said: “We have just been informed that the mayors of Boom and Rumst will announce a ban on Tomorrowland 2021. That hits like a sledgehammer, very hard and unexpected.
"We haven't had a festival for two years, which is very hard both financially and emotionally for our entire team," she continued. "We were so keen on this, and it all looked positive. After 15 years of intensive cooperation with the municipalities of Boom and Rumst, this feels very wry. We find this very unfortunate after the many constructive preparations and discussions. We do not know what is happening to us for a while."
Following the announcement, The Brussels Times reports that several politicians are working on solutions to overturn the decision, including Flemish Minister for Home Affairs, Bart Somers, who is set to meet with Tomorrowland organisers to discuss the cancellation. In a press release, Somers said: “This sector has suffered heavily from the corona crisis and we have supported them with financial means to get through it, but from 13th August onwards it should be possible again to organise larger festivals. If Pukkelpop can go ahead, I am convinced Tomorrowland can too." Belgian festival Pukkelpop is currently scheduled to take place from the 19th - 22nd August in Hasselt, with organiser Chokri Mahassine telling Studio Brussel the event was aiming for "full capacity" at "66,000 people a day."
The festival's digital offering, Tomorrowland: Around the World, will run on 16th and 17th July 2021, and the event just unveiled its third annual Top 1000 tracks list, decided by global vote.
Update 18/06/2021: Tomorrowland have shared a statement with DJ Mag clarifying the circumstances surrounding the local government's decision to not allow the festival to go ahead this year. Read it below.
"Earlier this month, Belgium's national government announced that large-scale festivals can take place from the second half of August. Yesterday, the local government (Boom & Rumst) has decided that the 16th edition of Tomorrowland cannot take place in 2021.
We are very surprised and puzzled by these contradictory messages from our authorities. In the next few days we will explore all possible options and try to obtain some clarity for our visitors and suppliers.
The grounds cited for the decision are that the Ministerial Decree regarding maximum capacity (75,000 persons) has not been published. For the time being, according to the mayors, only events up to 400 people can legally be allowed.
However, we have understood from the federal government that both arguments would be resolved very quickly with the publication of the Ministerial Decree and the possibility for the ID check to be carried out by private security, as the latter is a general point of attention for the control of the Digital Green Certificate in Belgium.
Finally, reference is made to a local explanation from the GEMS public health advisory group regarding the advice it has made to the Federal government for the summer plan. The federal government has clearly said that festivals can take place after August 13, provided that extra measures are strictly respected, which we intend to follow at all times.
As Tomorrowland, we first and foremost want to organise a safe festival and we have stated several times that we will always continue to evaluate and anticipate the epidemiological situation.
No Tomorrowland for the second year in a row would in any case be a huge disaster for our company, but also for the more than 1500 suppliers involved, many freelancers and our thousands of employees. We are still 100% prepared to organise everything as professionally as possible if the epidemiological situation allows, and to celebrate a great end of the summer together with our visitors.
After 15 years of intensive cooperation, this feels very grim and we find it very unfortunate after the many constructive preparations and conversations and federal commitments that it has come to this point, where we struggle to comprehend what just happened to us and still have to let it sink in a bit. Creating and organising Tomorrowland is our life, and an undertaking on which hundreds of people work every day with great passion for a whole year, day in day out.
We keep looking positively towards the future and strongly believe that music will unite us again."
TOMORROWLAND ORGANISERS FEELING “VERY POSITIVE” AS BELGIUM GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO 75,000 CAPACITY FESTIVALS
"We are very happy to receive this news, but we will wait for the conditions and rules before we will communicate about the organization of the festival"
Tomorrowland's organisers are feeling "very positive" about the their 2021 real world events following the Belgian government's announcement that large scale, outdoor festivals can restart from 13th August, for crowds of up to 75,000.
As per reports in the country's media, including news site HLN, the decision comes with several caveats to keep attendees and staff safe. These include mandatory presentation of a COVID-19 'safety ticket" proving vaccination status, or a negative coronavirus PCR test result.
Currently Tomorrowland is set for two late-summer weekends, 27th - 29th August and 3rd - 5th September. While these now look hopeful, the team confirmed to Billboard that new rules, and what they mean for the event, were still being understood.
“We are very happy to receive this news, but we will wait for the conditions and rules before we will communicate about the organization of the festival,” a Tomorrowland spokesperson told Billboard. “We are very positive, and we look forward to organizing a festival [at the] end of August.”
In May the Belgian government proposed a date of 1st September for a full reopening of the country and society, although it did not confirm what this looks like for event capacities. At the time of writing, only gatherings for a maximum of 400 people outside, or 200 inside, are being authorised to run by health officials.
Tomorrowland welcomes around 400,000 attendees over both weekends, equated to some 70,000 per day. Its 2020 instalments were cancelled due to the pandemic, and 2021's edition has already been moved to later in the year to try and avoid another postponement. If it goes ahead, it will be the first large scale dance festival to be held since the virus hit Europe and the US last spring. Tomorrowland's digital offering, Tomorrowland: Around the World, will run on 16th and 17th July 2021, and the event just unveiled its third annual Top 1000 tracks list, decided by global vote.