Katy Perry’s performance at a Belgian festival was cancelled due to a “government mandate”.
The 41-year-old singer had been due to perform at the Wercheter Boutique festival on Saturday (27.06.26) night 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.
Announcing the cancellation just hours before she was due on stage, Katy wrote on Instagram: “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. 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.
The statement read in part: “Following consultation with the Rock Werchter Safety Committee, in which all authorities and the organization are represented, it has been decided that the 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.
“The festival will end after Pitbull’s performance. Katy Perry’s concert will not go ahead. 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.(sic)”