Before the music starts and the crowds arrive, there’s a moment only a few get to witness. The festival grounds are still, stages are empty, and you can sense the anticipation in the air.
For our security officers, this unique perspective is just one perk of the job.
It won’t be long before the grounds fill with more than 400,000 people over the span of two summer weekends – bringing music, energy, and celebration to Boom, Belgium.
Securitas is trusted to secure the heart of Tomorrowland’s operations, from the backstage to the artist village and one of the camping zones.
It’s a responsibility we’ve held dearly for over a decade since we’ve been securing the renowned annual electronic music festival. Over time, Securitas has become a steady drumbeat behind the scenes and a familiar presence in the social circle of artists and crew alike.
With 80 officers on-site each day, and months of preparation, the Securitas team is proud to be part of what makes Tomorrowland the unique and unforgettable experience that it is.
Protecting the people of tomorrow
Tomorrowland is one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world, known for its immersive experiences and sense of community among festivalgoers.
Two words that describe the vibe are “euphoric and inclusive,” according to Bernd Stinkens, Securitas’ operations manager, who’s responsible for the officers securing the festival. “Everyone is happy to be there.”
The goal of security for Tomorrowland – and other clients operating at this scale and caliber – is to enhance the experience without ever becoming a barrier or distraction.
At a festival like this, where the atmosphere is built on unity and connection, security serves a dual purpose: protecting both the people as well as the “spirit” of the experience – preserving the overall flow, energy, and vision. For Tomorrowland, that vision is one of equality.
“They speak of the people of tomorrow,” Bernd says. “From that comes a sense of equality – we're ‘one people’ and it doesn't matter where you come from. We're all together here and we're all equal.”
Helping the show go on – from behind the scenes
For Securitas, the mission is to protect this vision of inclusivity and equality by creating a safe and welcoming space. That mission begins long before the festival gates open.
Ahead of large-scale events like this, we collaborate closely with the client to design the security plan together. Our team conducts site visits and holds preparational meetings to ensure we’re aligned on goals and expectations.
Together, we review every security role on-site to make sure the right people are in the right positions. Once the festival begins, a dedicated coordinator oversees the security team to keep everything running smoothly. This collaborative approach helps us facilitate a safe experience for attendees and preserve the energy of the event without disruption.
Most of the time, our officers blend into the background, while the spotlight stays on the artists and the crowd. But when unexpected challenges arise, that’s when our presence becomes even more essential to safeguarding the experience.
Trust and partnership take center stage
This level of trust is earned through years of partnership based on shared values and mutual respect.
“We're securing their backstage, the heart of their operations,” Bernd says. “For me, that shows the respect and the trust that there is between the two parties.”
That trust can be jeopardized in an instant – by a tense moment with an artist backstage that prevents or delays their performance, or a negative interaction with a festivalgoer at the entrance that shifts the entire atmosphere.
That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on our values – integrity, vigilance, and helpfulness – and on the professionalism and communication skills our officers bring to the job. They’re trained not just to manage access but to do so with a calm, respectful presence that keeps the experience intact, even in high-pressure moments.
These values align closely with Tomorrowland’s own vision of inclusivity and connection and form the foundation of a partnership built on trust, shared purpose, and a deep respect for what the festival represents.
Creating space for joy and connection
As the festival comes to an end and the crowd departs, what remains is a feeling of connection, joy, and for Bernd, pride. Pride in the officers, in the team, and in their dedication and hard work.
“Throughout each weekend, I often have goosebumps,” Bernd says. “It's really impressive to see the experience come to life. It’s a privilege for Securitas to be part of one of Belgium’s most positive ‘export’ products – and to have a real impact on how the event is experienced and perceived. Safety is always our focus, but delivering security in a way that enables joy and connection? That’s priceless.”
As Bernd says, much of our role is to protect and support, allowing our clients to shine. At Tomorrowland, that means helping shape how the festival is felt, remembered, and celebrated by hundreds of thousands of people each year.
It’s a side of security that isn’t always visible, but one we take great pride in: creating the conditions for something extraordinary to unfold. For us, that’s what it means to secure the spirit of Tomorrowland.
