Katy Perry has expressed her disappointment after her set at Belgium’s Werchter Boutique festival was canceled Saturday at short notice.
The “Firework” singer, 41, shared the news with her Instagram followers hours before her performance at Festivalpark Werchter was due to take place.
“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 artist revealed.
Temperatures hit highs of 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius) in Belgium Friday as much of Europe sweltered under an historic heat wave.
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday that more than 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded since June 21 “linked to high temperatures in Europe.”
Perry continued in her post: “I was backstage at the show in the middle of hair and makeup when this news was delivered, and they gave me no choice. I am just as unhappy as you are. Unfortunately this is beyond my control, but the safety of all 55,000 of you always comes first and foremost.
“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.”
In a later update, Werchter Boutique said a “severe storm passed over the country” after the festival was called off, adding that all festivalgoers had left the site safely.
Perry is next due to perform at Cardiff Castle in Wales on Tuesday, June 30.
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Earlier this month, the “Hot N Cold” artist performed her song “Wonder” with young Norwegian singer Tius at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Los Angeles.
She also released her latest single, “Watch It Burn,” last week.
Perry has been making headlines recently for her relationship with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Speaking on the Unfamous with Justin Tranter podcast this month, Perry said the relationship has “transformed” her.
“I have love in my life now that’s transformed me,” she said.
“You think that when The Beatles say “All You Need is Love” it’s a cliche, but cliches are cliches for a reason.”
