Katy Perry saw her set at the Werchter Boutique festival in Belgium get cancelled on Saturday, June 27. The "Firework" singer was reportedly backstage preparing for her set when the decision was made, due to severe weather and crowd safety concerns, per TMZ.
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Perry has since addressed the situation via her Instagram account.
"Sadly, my set @WerchterBoutique tonight can't happen due to a government-mandated cancellation because of the incoming inclement weather and crowd safety concerns," Perry wrote. "I was backstage at the show in the middle of hair and makeup when this news was delivered. They gave me no choice. I am just as unhappy as you are."
Perry then continued by stressing that the decision to cancel her set was out of her hands.
"Unfortunately, this is beyond my control. But, the safety of all 55,000 of you always comes first and foremost," she wrote. "[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 was brought to an early end amid warnings of severe thunderstorms, meaning Katy's highly anticipated set could not go ahead," HELLO! reports.
The Festival Katy Perry Was Set To Perform at Has Also Released a Statement
Once officials at the Werchter Boutique festival had decided to end the day early, a statement was released on the festival's official website.
"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 9 pm this evening," the statement said. "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 statement then continued to stress that the decision had been made with everyone's safety in mind.
"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 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."
Fans were undoubtedly disappointed. However, the festival has a duty of care to those in attendance. So, while unpopular, the decision was undoubtedly made for the right reasons.
