Katy Perry has been forced to cancel a major festival performance just hours before she was due to take to the stage.
The 41-year-old singer was set to headline Werchter Boutique in Belgium on Saturday June 27, 2026, closing out the one-day event after Pitbull's performance. But the festival was brought to an early end amid warnings of severe thunderstorms, meaning Katy's highly anticipated set could not go ahead.
Taking to Instagram shortly after the announcement, the 'Dark Horse' singer told fans she had already been backstage preparing for the show when she was informed of the decision.
© 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," she wrote.
"I was backstage getting ready for the show when this news was delivered, and they gave me no choice. I am just as unhappy as you are."
Katy stressed that the decision was beyond her control, while urging fans to make their way home safely.
© Europa Press via Getty Images"I am sorry I can't change the weather, and even sorrier that all of us can't be together tonight," she continued. "I love you all, and please get home safe."
The singer also shared a photo of herself sitting outside in striped sweatpants and a white robe, appearing visibly disappointed as her planned stage outfit sat beside her.
Adding to the heartbreak, Katy revealed she had intended to pay tribute to her previous appearance at the Werchter festival site back in 2009 by recreating one of her looks from the era.
© Getty Images"I was even gonna wear the same outfit from that 2009 show again," she added, alongside a sad-face emoji.
Organisers confirmed that the event would end at 9pm, immediately after Pitbull's set, rather than continuing through to Katy's scheduled 10pm headline slot. The decision was made following a consultation involving the festival's safety committee, local authorities and organisers, with severe thunderstorms forecast to arrive later that night.
In a statement, the festival said the early finish was intended to allow concert-goers to leave "in a safe and orderly manner" before the weather deteriorated.
© Europa Press via Getty Images"The safety and health of everyone present is always our top priority," organisers added.
The cancellation will no doubt come as a huge disappointment for fans, particularly as Katy had been due to deliver one of the biggest performances of the night. Her set had been scheduled to run for 90 minutes and was expected to feature many of her biggest hits, including 'Firework', 'Teenage Dream', 'California Gurls' and 'Roar'.
Katy is currently in the middle of a busy European run of festival dates, with further shows scheduled in the UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy over the coming weeks.
