Katy Perry apologises after Belgium festival show cancelled over extreme weather

Katy Perry has apologised to fans after her scheduled performance at Belgium’s Werchter Boutique festival was cancelled just hours before she was due to take the stage because of safety concerns linked to extreme weather.

The pop star shared the news in an Instagram post on Saturday, explaining that local authorities had ordered the cancellation as Europe continues to experience an intense heatwave and severe weather conditions.

“Sadly my set at Werchter Boutique tonight can’t happen due to a government-mandated cancellation because of the incoming weather and crowd safety concerns,” Perry wrote, adding that she was already backstage getting ready when she was informed of the decision.

The singer said the cancellation was beyond her control and expressed her disappointment over not being able to perform for the crowd.

“I am just as unhappy as you are,” she wrote. “The safety of all 55,000 of you always comes first.”

Perry also revealed that the performance would have marked her first appearance at the Belgian festival in 17 years. She had even planned to recreate the outfit she wore during her 2009 performance at the event.

“I was looking forward to being back after 17 years,” she said. “I was even going to wear the same outfit from that 2009 show again.”

She concluded her message by apologising to fans and urging everyone to return home safely.

“I am sorry I can’t change the weather, and even sorrier that all of us can’t be together tonight. I love you all, and please get home safe.”

The post was accompanied by a photo of Perry sitting outside the venue in a robe, with her stage outfit hanging nearby.