MUSIC fans have blasted Leeds Festival organisers after the event was majorly disrupted by the current wild weather battering parts of the UK.
Two stages have had to be closed at this weekend’s festival and US singer Renée Rapp has pulled out over safety fears.
The US star told fans it was “too dangerous” to perform and her name was swiftly removed from the festival’s website.
Storm Lilian has been blamed for the disruption, with the UK being battered by 73mph winds.
Flights have been cancelled, cars crushed and homes destroyed – with The Met Office issuing another severe warning for tomorrow with torrential downpours forecast.
Bosses at Reading & Leeds Festival made the announcement on social media on Friday afternoon.
A statement read: “Leeds Arena Update.
“It’s been a tough morning but we are aiming to open the arena between 1.45pm and 2pm, with the first live act Bru-C, on the main stage at 3.10pm as per the schedule.
“The Chevron, BBC Radio 1, & Aux Stage will remain closed for today, and the BBC introducing stage will continue as normal from around 3pm.
“More info on the Festival Republic stage to follow. Thank you for your patience.”
Renée Rap then confirmed on her social media pages that she would not be able to perform at Leeds Festival this year.
The disappointed star wrote: “Leeds, the weather has been too dangerous for our crew or myself to set up/ access the stage all morning…
“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 <3.”
Renée will perform on the main stage at Leeds’ partner festival in Reading on Sunday afternoon.
Music fans in Leeds have been left fuming by the widespread disruption to the first day of the annual event.
Many are demanding refunds, with a standard weekend ticket with camping having set them back almost £300.
Day tickets were priced at £30 each with an additional mandatory £30 charity donation, which goes to local charities and projects.
Replying to Reading & Leeds Festival’s post on X, formerly known as Twitter, one said: “This is poor. Friday ticket holders deserve a refund. I don’t even want to go now, won’t be returning if we don’t get compensated for this.”
Another added: “Refunds for Friday ticket holders! This is shocking.”
A third complained: “Just start refunding people!”
And a fourth said: “Amazing speed to remove Renee Rapp from website and app but can’t keep people at the festival informed or put their energy into rescheduling so those who have paid to see Renee get to do so later today.”
Others have raised concerns about the safety of the festival, given that several stages have been closed.
“Same capacity but half the stages? good luck,” one said.
Another added: “The ticket prices are bad enough, imagine cancelling half the acts and causing mass overcrowding.”
Reading and Leeds Festivals always run across the same weekend in August, with the acts performing at both events.
The Sun Online has contacted Leeds Festival for comment.
