The annual Lollapalooza festival, which is taking place this weekend in Chicago, was temporarily suspended for several hours this afternoon due to severe and dangerous weather conditions.
The festival kicked off yesterday at Grant Park with no major incidents, however, a warning issued today (Saturday 8/4) by the National Weather Service of an approaching severe thunderstorm from the west was determined to be too dangerous and festival organizers along with the help of the Chicago Police Depatment began closing down the bash at 3:30 this afternoon.
The police directed festival-goers to 3 pre-established underground evacuation and shelter sites along Michigan Avenue.
A few hours later, organizers announced plans to re-open the festival at 6 PM, which they did, along with a whole new schedule.
In an update on the festival website, organizers wrote:
Lollapalooza will resume at 6:00 PM following a brief postponement due to dangerous weather conditions and warnings.
Festival-goers were evacuated this afternoon from Grant Park and directed by staff and the Chicago Police Department to pre-established underground evacuation and shelter sites along Michigan Avenue.
Organizers working with the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications have been monitoring the storm and determined weather conditions are safe for people to return and Lollapalooza to resume.
Today’s updated schedule of performances can be found at Lollapalooza’s official website.
“We want to thank the tens of thousands of festival goers, staff, and artists who calmly and safely exited from Grant Park today,” said Charlie Jones, partner of C3 Presents, the promoter for Lollapalooza. “We also applaud and thank the City of Chicago for their cooperation and commitment to making Lolla a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Once again Chicago has come through and we’re proud to call the city our partner.”
Among the acts due to perform today are Red Hot Chili Peppers, Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party. A few acts were forced to cancel their sets due to the temporary close down.
