Getaway canceled Sunday due to bad weather

Organizers canceled the third day of the Escapade Music Festival at TD Place due to bad weather.

“Due to unsafe site conditions due to heavy rain and pending storm warnings for the remainder of the evening, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the third day of the festival,” organizers said in a message on Instagram.

“After careful review and consultation with local authorities and meteorologists, we have determined that continuing the festival could pose significant safety risks.”

Organizers had to delay opening the gates to the packed crowd until at least 3 p.m. to conduct safety inspections of the venue after rain fell for most of the day. The three-day festival attracts around 20,000 people each day.

Attendees were briefly allowed into the stadium around 3:15 p.m. until Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning shortly thereafter.

The first performer was scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

“While we understand your disappointment and share your frustration, the unpredictable nature of the weather leaves us with no choice but to prioritize safety above all else,” organizers said.

“More information on refunds will follow.”

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Ottawa Sunday afternoon, and Environment Canada is forecasting wind gusts of up to 90 km/h, torrential downpours, hail and a risk of tornadoes. A rain alert ended late in the afternoon.

The Chainsmokers, Armin van Buuren, Lost Frequencies and around twenty other artists were scheduled to perform.

The festival began on Friday and was scheduled to end on Sunday.