Leeds Festival shuts two stages for rest of event: ‘Mother nature played part’

Two stages will remain closed for the entirety of Leeds Festival, while a third is expected to reopen, following high winds caused by Storm Lilian. Festival organisers were forced to shut the Chevron, BBC Radio 1 and Aux stages on Friday, but reopened the arena with Liam Gallagher due to headline as Reading and Leeds Festivals got under way for three days of music over the bank holiday weekend. The storm has brought strong winds exceeding 70mph to northern parts of England and Wales and travel disruption, including axed flights.

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.

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— Reading & Leeds Fest (@OfficialRandL) August 23, 2024 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. “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 reasonabl.