Katy Perry announced that her planned performance at Belgium’s Werchter Boutique festival has been canceled.
She was backstage on Saturday, midway through hair and makeup, when the news reached her.
“Regrettably, my set at WerchterBoutique tonight cannot proceed because authorities mandated a cancellation due to the approaching severe weather and crowd-safety concerns,” the singer shared on Instagram.
“This is something that is out of my hands. But the safety of all 55,000 fans always comes first.”
Perry had been slated to perform in Werchter as part of a lineup that also featured Pitbull, Mika, Pommelien Thijs, James Arthur, Roxy Dekker and Emmy d’Arc.
“I’m sorry I can’t change the weather, and I’m even more sorry that we can’t all be together tonight,” Perry wrote in a closing note. “I was looking forward to returning after 17 years and even planned to wear the same outfit from that 2009 show. I love you all, and please get home safely.”
Perry also posted the festival’s own statement confirming the cancellation and noting that the festivities would conclude after Pitbull’s set.
“Following consultation with the Rock Werchter Safety Committee, it has been decided that Werchter Boutique will end at 9 pm this evening,” the message read.
“This decision is in response to the forecast, which predicts severe thunderstorms beginning at midnight.”
“The festival will wrap up after Pitbull’s performance. Katy Perry’s concert will not take place. The safety and health of everyone in attendance remains our top priority.”
