Katy Perry was forced to cancel her scheduled performance at Belgium’s Werchter Boutique festival after authorities halted the event due to extreme weather conditions.
The Fireworks hitmaker was set to take the stage at Festivalpark Werchter on Saturday, but organizers called off the show as a historic heat wave continued to affect parts of Europe, raising concerns about public safety for tens of thousands of attendees.
Katy Perry quickly addressed the cancellation in a message shared on her Instagram page, where she revealed that she learned about the decision while preparing to perform.
“Sadly, my set @WerchterBoutique tonight can’t happen due to a government-mandated cancellation because of the incoming inclement weather and crowd safety concerns.”
The pop star went on to explain that she was already backstage and in the middle of hair and makeup when officials informed her that the event would not proceed.
“They gave me no choice.”
Katy Perry further expressed disappointment for fans who had traveled to attend the concert but stressed that safety remained the top priority.
“I am just as unhappy as you are. Unfortunately, this is beyond my control, but the safety of all 55,000 of you always comes first and foremost.”
The Part of Me songstress concluded her message with another apology:
“I am sorry I can’t change the weather, and even sorrier that all of us can’t be together tonight. I was looking forward to being back after 17 years, I was even gonna wear the same outfit from that 2009 show again. I love you all, and please get home safe.”
Katy Perry shares Werchter Boutique festival’s official statement
Katy Perry sent along an image that included her picture in a robe, smoking at the event location, alongside her clothes hanging beside her.
Additionally, she posted on her account the festival’s official statement.
“This decision was taken in response to the weather forecast, which predicts severe thunderstorms from midnight onwards at the earliest. The governor of Flemish Brabant has also issued a be-alert in this regard. By bringing the festival to a close early, we can ensure that the exit of visitors will proceed in a safe and orderly manner, allowing everyone to return home calmly. The safety and health of everyone present is always our top priority.”
The cancellation comes as several European countries continue to grapple with unusually high temperatures and severe weather warnings, prompting authorities to take extra precautions at large public gatherings.
Since June 21, according to the World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, over 1,300 excess deaths have been linked to the unusually high temperatures. He wrote on X/Twitter:
“Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at twice the global average. Right now 150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling. Heat stress is often called the ‘silent killer’ – and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures.”
Meanwhile, Katy Perry was scheduled to headline the Werchter Boutique festival. The performing lineup also included Mika, Pommelien Thijs, James Arthur, Roxy Dekker, and Emmy d’Arc.
Edited by Gladys Altamarino