Katy Perry has announced that her set at the Werchter Boutique festival in Belgium has been cancelled.
Perry was backstage at the show on Saturday, in the middle of hair and makeup, when this news was delivered.
“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 singer wrote via Instagram.
“Unfortunately, this is beyond my control. But the safety of all 55,000 of you always comes first and foremost.”
Perry was set to perform in Werchter as part of a lineup that included Pitbull, Mika, Pommelien Thijs, James Arthur, Roxy Dekker and Emmy d’Arc.
“I am sorry I can’t change the weather, and even sorrier that all of us can’t be together tonight,” Perry concluded.
“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.”
Perry also shared a statement from the festival, announcing that her set was cancelled and the festivities would end after Pitbull’s performance.
“Following consultation with the Rock Werchter Safety Committee, it has been decided that the Werchter Boutique will end at 9 pm this evening,” the statement read.
“This decision was taken in response to the weather forecast, which predicts severe thunderstorms from midnight onwards.
“The festival will end after Pitbull’s performance. Katy Perry’s concert will not go ahead. The safety and health of everyone present is always our top priority.”
