Some stories at Tomorrowland begin long before the first beat drops, with a plane ticket booked on impulse, a train ride across Europe, a backpack packed for one, and a quiet promise to yourself: I’m going anyway.
At this year’s United We Dance gathering, organised by Absolut and Tomorrowland exclusively for solo travellers, that promise was written across dozens of faces. Some arrived with confident smiles, others carefully scanned the crowd before taking a first step closer.
Every person had their own reason for coming alone: a cancelled travel companion, friends who couldn’t make it, a lifelong dream that simply could not wait another year… Or the simple joy and freedom of exploring the world all by yourself. Different journeys, all arriving at the very same place.
The welcome was simple, genuine and exactly what Tomorrowland does best. A warm greeting from hosts Robyn and Ole, an invitation to step outside one’s comfort zone, and one small challenge: don’t spend the next hour with someone you already know. Instead, introduce yourself to someone you’ve never met.
It sounded almost too easy, but then the magic quietly began. Conversations started with the classic festival questions. “Where are you from?” “Who’s at the top of your must-see list?” “Is this your first Tomorrowland?” Within minutes, accents from every corner of the world blended into one language everyone understood: excitement.
An ice-cold welcome drink appeared, offering the perfect excuse to raise a glass with complete strangers. Fans unfolded under the warm Belgian summer sun, laughter grew louder, and suddenly nobody seemed to be standing alone anymore.
Before setting off, one final moment captured everything that United We Dance stands for in a group photo. Just a short while earlier, these people had been individual festivalgoers, but now they looked remarkably like friends who had travelled together all along.
From there, the real adventure started, courtesy of Absolut. Together, the group roamed the Holy Grounds, discovering hidden corners, iconic landmarks and breathtaking stages. There was no rush to tick boxes or chase the perfect schedule. Every stop offered the opportunity to meet someone new, exchange recommendations or simply stand still for a moment and take it all in. O
ne person pointed towards a favourite stage, another insisted everyone should experience a sunset set together later that evening, and before long timetables transformed into shared plans. That is the beautiful thing about Tomorrowland: the festival itself is spectacular, but it is often the people beside you who turn it into the emotional journey that it is.
As the tour continued, something quietly shifted. The conversations became easier and inside jokes started appearing from nowhere. Phones were handed around to exchange social media profiles. Small groups naturally formed and dissolved again as everyone mixed freely. Nobody seemed concerned anymore about where they had started the day; they had found each other.
United We Dance is built on a simple belief: music opens the door, people decide what happens next. Together, Tomorrowland and Absolut have created a space where taking that first brave step becomes just a little easier, where inclusion isn’t announced with grand speeches, but with something much smaller.
A smile. A shared drink. An invitation that simply says, “Come with us.” Because before Tomorrowland becomes one giant family, it always starts from individuals.
And somehow, before the day is over, there are no more individuals, only unity. Come alone, leave together.
Loren (UK)
“It’s my first festival ever, and I’m here for just one day. I arrived in the morning and tonight I’m leaving again. I’m going to be so tired but it’s worth it! United We Dance is a real cool way of meeting new people from all over the globe!”
Saverio (Belgium/Italy)
“I've been to Tomorrowland before, but coming alone means I can do the festival at my own pace. No long discussion about the timetable: I can pick a stage, enjoy the set and stay in the moment."
"That's my biggest tip for solo travellers: don't plan every minute, because the unplanned parts are often the most fun. United We Dance is a great starting point. You can swap recommendations, find people to dance with and still head off whenever something else catches your attention!”
Leila (Canada)
“I booked this trip with my ex-boyfriend and his friends. We separated in April, but stayed on good terms and travelled here together. "
"Once there, I chose to explore alone so he could enjoy the festival with his friends. It's my first Tomorrowland and my first solo trip, which made me anxious. United We Dance felt like a safety net.”