Katy Perry festival set cancelled following weather concerns
Los Angeles, June 28
Singer-songwriter Katy Perry's performance at a Belgian festival has been cancelled on the directives of the government.
The singer was set to perform at the Werchester Boutique festival but she never made it to the stage due to concerns over the weather and crowd safety because thunderstorms were expected to hit the area.
She took to her Instagram, and wrote, "Sadly my set @WerchterBoutique tonight can't happen due to a government mandated cancellation because of the incoming inclement weather and crowd safety concerns. I was backstage at the show in the middle of hair and makeup when this news was delivered, and they gave me no choice",.
She further mentioned, "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. 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 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 (sic)".
Other artists on the bill included Pitbull, Mika, Pommelien Thijs, James Arthur, Roxy Dekker and Emmy d'Arc, and Katy shared a statement from organisers confirming the event would end after Pitbull's set.
Earlier, the singer appeared on stage, and made a veiled reference to her former partner Orlando Bloom. The incident happened during a concert in Spain. The singer, 41, is thought to have made the dig as she incorporated a playful on-stage segment featuring several of her high-profile former partners.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Imagine getting ready for your comeback after 17 years and then this happens! 🥺 Katy handled it gracefully though. Her message to fans was so heartfelt. The weather is unpredictable, but the memories of 2009 must feel like yesterday.
Politicians here cancel events for much less, but at least Belgium had a genuine reason. Thunderstorms + 55,000 people = disaster waiting to happen. Smart move by the government. Pitbull must be thrilled he got to perform before the shutdown! 🙃
As someone who's been to outdoor concerts in India during monsoon season, I totally get the safety concerns. But it's a shame she was already in hair and makeup when they told her. Couldn't they have decided earlier? Still, better safe than sorry.
On the bright side, she avoided a potential PR disaster. Imagine the chaos if lightning struck mid-performance! Though I do feel for the fans who traveled from far away. At least she's planning to wear that old outfit—that's some serious nostalgia bait!
Respect to Katy for prioritizing fan safety. In India, we've seen too many events go wrong due to negligence. The authorities there did a good job. But the dig at Orlando Bloom? A little cheap, no? 😅 Focus on the music, Katy!
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