Organisers at the festival in Bramham Park, near Wetherby, were forced to shut the Chevron, BBC Radio 1 and Aux stages on Friday (August 23), but reopened the arena with Liam Gallagher headlining as the event got under way for three days of music over the bank holiday weekend.
The storm brought strong winds exceeding 70mph to northern parts of England and Wales and travel disruption, including axed flights.
On Friday evening, organisers confirmed the BBC Radio 1 and the brand-new Aux stage will not reopen for scheduled performances on Saturday or Sunday, which were expected to feature stars including Jorja Smith, Teddy Swims, and The Wombats.
The campsite at Leeds Festival as the event shuts two stages after strong winds by Strom Lilian (Image: @decomcfc/PA Wire)
“Unfortunately the health and safety team have now confirmed we will not be able use the BBC Radio 1 tent & stage tomorrow or Sunday,” festival organisers said on X.
“We are devastated for you and of course the artists that were eager to play.
“That is the same for the Aux stage too. Mother nature has played her part.
“On the positive side, we are able to be reasonably sure the Chevron will be fit to play tomorrow and will be opened by The Useless Hotline at midday.”
IMPORTANT UPDATE – LEEDS ⚠️
Unfortunately the health and safety team have now confirmed we will not be able use the BBC Radio 1 tent & stage tomorrow or Sunday. We are devastated for you and of course the artists that were eager to play.
That is the same for the Aux stage too.…
— Reading & Leeds Fest (@OfficialRandL) August 23, 2024
The Chevron stage is expected to feature British electronic group The Prodigy and US rapper Denzel Curry on Saturday, as well as Scottish star Barry Can’t Swim and DJ Sonny Fodera on Sunday.
On Friday, rap artist Bru-C was the first artist to take to the main stage after the arena was reopened, with rock band The Luka State missing out on their midday slot.
Weather ‘too dangerous’ to set up or access stage, says artist
His performance came after US star Renee Rapp pulled out of opening the main stage gig.
“Leeds, the weather has been too dangerous for our crew or myself to set up/access the stage all morning,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I’m so sad to miss you but your safety and my team’s safety is of the utmost importance and I can’t risk that. Love you down and see you at Reading.”
Earlier in the day, festival organisers issued a travel update and said in a post that while bus services in Leeds city centre have resumed, there would “still be a wait at the festival site for a minimum of 90 minutes” before people are let through.
A yellow wind warning issued by the Met Office was in place across northern England and North Wales until 11am on Friday, with the storm bringing gusts of around 50-60mph in the region.
As the storm began to batter the north, festival organisers encouraged revellers to stay in their tents.
“A fair few tents” have now been left at the campsite by “people who have chosen to go home”, according to one festivalgoer.
The Met Office expects to ease at the festival site on Saturday, with forecasters predicting clouds changing to light showers by lunchtime.
On Sunday they say festivalgoers can expect sun changing to light rain at lunch time for the final day of the event.
