The Mayors of Boom and Rumst are not reconsidering their decision to deny Tomorrowland a license. After a recent meeting, the mayors are deciding to hold their ground on the ruling, preventing the renowned music festival from taking place in 2021.
On Monday afternoon, the cabinet of Prime Minister Jambon held a meeting to discuss the decision against holding Tomorrowland. Rumst mayors met with Flemish Minister Bart Somers and Minister of the Interior Annelies Verlinden. Even after the meeting, mayors such as Jurgen Callaerts have not changed their minds to deny the festival’s license.
“[Translation] Of course we will accept the invitation for this consultation,” said Callaerts. “Although, I don’t see what has changed since Thursday when we made the decision not to license Tomorrowland.”
Last week, government officials sought to cancel the Belgium music festival due to fears about the COVID-19 Delta variant. In response, Tomorrowland organizers released a statement contesting the decision and assuring they will find other possible options to hold the event.
“No Tomorrowland for the second year in a row would in any case be huge disaster for our company, but also for the more than 1500 suppliers involved, many freelancers and our thousands of employees,” the statement reads. “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.”
Tomorrowland was planned to take place for over two weekends on August 27-29 and September 3-5. Earlier in June, Belgium’s national government gave large-scale festivals the go-ahead, but local government is deciding against the Belgium festival’s return.
Mayors fear police forces will be unable to control COVID-19 certificates and prevent the spread of the virus. In addition, they think an event with 75,000 people is still too soon.
Although the mayors have chosen to stand their ground on the decision, there is still some hope for Tomorrowland. According to HLN, festival organizers can always submit a new application.
The Flemish and federal government are still available to help if necessary. However, the final decision still remains with the mayors.
Tomorrowland has chosen not to respond to the consultation at this time.
Stay tuned for updates on Tomorrowland.
