Leeds Festival fans ‘gutted’ as Storm Lilian forces stages to shut

Leeds Festival has had to close two stages due to Storm Lilian after warning music fans to stay in their tents due to high winds.

The Bramham Park site has been battered by wind, with video clips on social media showing tents billowing and items blowing away. As a result the festival was delayed on Friday morning (23 August), and it has now been confirmed that there will not be any performances on the BBC Radio 1 stage or the Aux stage today.

Organisers said on X: “We can see an end in sight to the high winds. We definitely won’t be opening the arena at 11am, but we are targeting as soon as possible after that and we will update you further. However, we have definitely lost the BBC Radio 1 stage today, and there will be no performances on it.

“We have also lost the Aux stage today, and there will be no performances on it. We remain hopeful that everything else will continue as planned and that we will still have an amazing weekend.”

Earlier, festival-goers had been advised to remain in their tents or cars. “Everybody can see and feel that we’re suffering from the winds currently,” a post on X said.

“We’re urging you to stay in your tents if you are onsite and feel safe to do so. If you are in your car, please remain there. If you are not yet at the festival site, please delay your arrival. We’re expecting it to ease up at 10am and we will update you in 30 minutes. Your safety is our number one priority. Remember to look out for each other.”

Who had been due to perform on the BBC Radio 1 and Aux stages?

Acts due to perform on the BBC Radio 1 stage on Friday included Felix Ames, Alfie Templeman, Good Neighbours, Jesse, Ashnikko and Beabadoobee. The Useless Hotline, In Ayame We Trust featuring guest Coco Sarel and Antics With Ash were among the artists on the bill for the Aux stage.

Singer-songwriter Templeman was among those to address fans after it was confirmed the stage was closed. Posting on X, he said he was “really gutted about this”.

He wrote: “I’m so so sorry to anyone that wanted to catch our set today in Leeds but multiple stages are no longer standing and we’ve been told our slot is cancelled 🙁 Leeds we’ll make it up to you as soon as possible, so so much love to you all.”

Beabadoobee said: “This is so sad. I had a whole outfit planned.

“Well I’ll see u guys at Reading!!! I’ll b back in Leeds soon I hope sorry about this guys I love you!!!!”

What have festival-goers said?

Festival-goers have told how tough it’s been, with one calling it the “worst day ever”. Carrie Gill, 19, told the PA news agency that “basically our whole tent is gone” and she has spent £60 on a new tipi tent, which she has not been able to erect yet because of the weather.

The university student said: “All the rain came in because the poles pulled so hard from the wind the fabric ripped open and leaked the whole tent with the rain. We even put those rock plastic pegs in the bottom and they have snapped. We aren’t allowed back into the area for hours, all our stuff is in our mates’ tent, phones on 30%. All the stores have blown over, the urinal walls are gone and lads are just pissing against fences, people’s tents are in the sky, the store shops are all over the floor and shirts and things from stores are gone. It’s honestly really bad here.”

Many music fans have told of their disappointment at missing out on their favourite acts. “GUTTED,” one fan posted. “I’m so sad,” said another.

“That’s gutting for those acts who are not able to play,” said another.