Storm Lilian: Leeds Bradford Airport delays and stage closures at Leeds Festival amid strong winds

Leeds Festival organisers have announced a delay to opening the arena and the closure of at least two stages on Friday due to Storm Lilian. The main acts of the festival are due to begin today, with the arena set to open at 11am.

However, organisers released a statement on Friday morning announcing an indefinite delay to opening the arena.

Planes are diverting away from landing at Leeds Bradford Airport this morning amid strong winds due to Storm Lilian.

At Leeds Bradford Airport, two flights were diverted to Liverpool, unable to land in the high winds.

The flights were arriving from Belfast and Dublin.

An 8.45am flight to Dublin from LBA was also cancelled.

Lilian is the 12th named storm of the season – the furthest the Met Office have got through the list since it was introduced – and the first since April.

Despite a recent bus crash forcing the closure of the Barnard’s Road bridge into Grosmont, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is reminding visitors that the station, village and all of its businesses are open and operating as usual. 

Grosmont remains fully accessible by road via the A169, and by train, with NYMR services running as per its timetable.

Laura Strangeway, CEO of NYMR, said "The recent bus crash was a shock to everyone who works and lives in Grosmont, but we’re relieved no one was seriously hurt, and that the village remains very much open to visitors.

“Whether you are here for a scenic train journey, a delightful meal on our much-loved Pullman Dining services, or to explore the village’s shops, rest assured that we are open and ready to make your visit special."

Forecasters are advising revellers at Leeds Festival to secure their tents and drivers to take care on the roads as Storm Lilian is set to surge through northern parts of Wales and England.

Gusts of up to 80mph are expected, with travel disruption, flooding, power cuts and dangerous conditions near coastal areas all likely.

The impact of the severe weather has already been felt outside the expected regions, with National Highways warning the M48 Severn Bridge in Gloucestershire has been closed in both directions between J1 (Aust) and J2 (Chepstow) due to the strong winds.

Fallen tree on Lumley Hill in Whitwood, Castleford, due to Storm Lilian’s strong winds.