Katy Perry had to cancel her headlining act at Werchter Boutique in Belgium. Severe weather forecasts led officials to shut down the outdoor festival just hours before her scheduled appearance.
In an Instagram post, Perry, 41, expressed her regret for not being able to perform and explained it was beyond her control. “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.
Perry was in the midst of getting ready backstage when she received the news. She assured fans of her shared disappointment, saying, “I am just as unhappy as you are.”
She emphasized that safety was the top priority, considering the 55,000 attendees. “Unfortunately this is beyond my control, but the safety of all 55,000 of you always comes first and foremost,” she stated.
Reflecting on her excitement, Perry mentioned, “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.”
Her performance was meant to be her first return to the Festivalpark Werchter grounds since performing there in July 2009 during her Hello Katy tour. However, organizers decided to end the festival after Pitbull’s performance to prioritize safety due to the severe weather forecast predicting thunderstorms.
Perry included the Werchter Boutique’s official statement in her post, stating, “Werchter Boutique will end after Pitbull’s concert. 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.”
Bringing the festival to an early close was aimed at ensuring a safe departure for all visitors. This decision was supported by a BE-Alert issued by the governor of Flemish Brabant concerning the expected weather.
Recently, Perry performed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Los Angeles. Her set included a live performance of her 2024 song “Wonder” alongside 10-year-old Norwegian singer Tius. Her boyfriend, Justin Trudeau, was present at the ceremony to support her.
The couple, public with their relationship since December 2025, celebrated Team USA’s soccer team’s 4-1 victory against Paraguay together.
Perry’s latest single, “Watch It Burn,” was released earlier this week. She continues her European tour, with her next stop scheduled at DEPOT Live at Cardiff Castle in Wales.