Katy Perry apologised to fans after being forced to cancel a concert perfomance due to extreme weather. The American pop idol was due to headline a music even in Belgium on Saturday – but was ordered not to take to the stage by government officials.
Fans were given just a couple of hours notice as a decision was made by event organisers in the face of extreme weather which has been wreaking havoc across Europe in recent days. While temperatures have hit record highs in the UK in June, weather on the continent has been even hotter – with mercury hitting above 40 Centigrade in some areas.
With sweltering heat, there have also been explosive thunderstorms – and vicious weather ultimately derailed plans at the Rock Wechter festival in Belgium on Saturday. Katy, 41, appeared dejected as she shared news with fans that her concert had to be cancelled – just hours before she was due to take to the stage.
4View 4 ImagesThe singer expressed her frustration over the abrupt cancellation(Image: INSTAGRAM)
4View 4 ImagesRock Werchter explained the sudden change in plans(Image: INSTAGRAM)
She explained that extreme weather had forced the change in plans as she shared a photograph of herself at the event alongside a disappointing statement. The snap – shared via Instagram – showed the California Gurls singer wrapped in a white, fluffy dressing gown and with headphones covering her ears.
She was captured taking a drag on a cigarette and with her eyes closed as she typed out an explanation for her fans. She 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.”
Revealing that she was already getting ready to perform when festival bosses pulled the plug, she continued: “I was backstage at the show in the middle of hair and makeup when this news was delivered, and they gave me no choice.
View 4 ImagesThe American superstar recently performed a the 2026 Fifa World Cup(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
“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 singer added: “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.”
The festival also issued a statement which gave further information about the abrupt change in plans. They wrote, late on Saturday: “Following consultation with the Rock Werchter Safety Committee, in which all authorities and the organization are represented, it has been decided that Werchter Boutique will end at 9pm this evening.
“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.”
They then bluntly added: “The festival will end after Pitbull’s performance. Katy Perry’s concert will not go ahead.”
The statement continued: “By bringing the festival to a close early, we can ensure that the exit of visitors proceeds 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 notice went on to assure music fans that plans for Sunday would continue as scheduled. Many fans of Katy were less than impressed, however, and have slammed Rock Werchter for changing plans with such short notice – with many noting that they booked tickets purely to see the American singer on stage.
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Katy is due to perform at a string of festivals around the world over the summer – including Depot Live in Cardiff on Tuesday, and Blenheim Palace Festival on Wednesday. She stunned fans earlier this month when she performed as part of the Fifa World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies – where she performed a track titled Wonder alongside Tius Luka.
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