Leeds Festival Hit by Storm Lilian as High Winds Disrupt Event
- Storm Lilian causes chaos at Leeds Festival with fierce winds and heavy rain.
- Revellers struggle as tents are blown away and campers face harsh weather conditions.
- Early bird ticket holders warn of 'freezing' temperatures and collapsing tents.
Music lovers at the Leeds Festival faced significant challenges as Storm Lilian brought 60mph winds to the site, prompting organizers to issue an urgent weather report. Attendees were advised to remain in their tents, and those en route were urged to delay their arrival. The storm led to the cancellation of performances on two stages, with some artists expressing disappointment over the disruption. Campers reported their tents shaking violently, with some witnessing others being blown away. The storm has not only affected the festival but has also caused widespread travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and train service interruptions across England and Wales. Forecasters issued yellow weather warnings for rain and wind, predicting gusts of 50-60mph in northern England and north Wales. Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst warned festival-goers to secure their tents as the strongest winds were expected overnight. As the festival weekend approaches, many early arrivals expressed their discontent, with some stating they wanted to go home due to the harsh conditions. Social media platforms like TikTok saw campers sharing videos of their tents being toppled by the wind, highlighting the challenging environment. Despite the adverse weather, the Met Office indicated that conditions would improve over the weekend, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 23C. Storm Lilian marks the 12th named storm of the season, reflecting the increasing frequency of severe weather events. As thousands prepare for the festivities, the impact of the storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of outdoor events.