Creamfields has issued an ‘urgent’ weather warning this morning as strong winds hit the festival site.
Due to the impact of Storm Lilian, which has seen gusts of up to 60mph across the Greater Manchester area, organisers have warned festivalgoers of major delays entering the site and potential stage closures.
In a statement posted at 7AM this morning, Creamfields shared: “Due to the high wind conditions onsite, there will be a delay to public arenas and gates opening. For customers who have already arrived on site today, please remain in your vehicles for safety until gates open.”
The festival has reassured punters that contingency plans are in place. In another statement, Creamfields thanked fans for their patience and promised a “safe and secure” opening.
The high winds are forecast to last for the morning but ease off into the afternoon. Visitors who are camping are being urged to make sure tents are pegged down correctly and that additional guy lines are used to ensure greater stability during the blustery conditions.
A festival spokesman shared: “We advise campers stay inside their tents during high winds for safety. Please secure any loose items around your campsite and within the festival grounds. High winds can cause objects to become hazardous projectiles, so keep your area tidy.”
One video taken by a staff member around 6am this morning shows an empty tent being blown into the air by the gusts. “Chaos at creamfields this morning as the storm hits”, the caption reads.
Storm Lilian arrived early this morning (Friday, 23rd August), with the Met Office issuing a yellow ‘danger to life’ weather warning for strong winds across Merseyside. The conditions are expected to improve by the late morning on Friday.
A Met Office spokesman said: “Some very strong winds are likely to develop, with gusts widely in the 50mph to 60mph range, with a lower chance that a small core of winds gusting 65mph to 75mph, and perhaps 80mph, could push quickly east during the morning.”
More than 70,000 people are set to attend this year’s Creamfields festival in Cheshire, with thousands camping at the site. The festival will see appearances from big name electronic acts across the weekend, including Fatboy Slim, Calvin Harris, Eliza Rose, Tiësto, Eric Prydz, Peggy Gou, Chase & Status, Hannah Laing and more.
Leeds Festival has also reported issues today due to high winds. Punters have been urged to delay heading to the site until after 11am, while the BBC Radio 1 Stage will not open today.