Wembley Stadium has drawn criticism after a fireworks display during The Weeknd's concert proceeded despite a government emergency alert regarding wildfire risks. The Canadian pop superstar began a five-night run at the London venue on Friday, August 14, with fireworks accompanying the closing track 'Moth To A Flame'.
Hours before the display, the UK government issued an emergency alert to phones across England and Wales, giving a "severe" warning about wildfires. The message advised against activities that could start a fire, including fireworks, stating, "Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk."
The decision to proceed with the fireworks prompted online criticism. A Wembley representative told LADBible that venue officials met with on-site Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade members after receiving the alert. The spokesperson stated that the display was a "controlled performance, delivered within the Wembley Stadium footprint and subject to the stadium’s established safety procedures," and managed by specialist professionals.
The government alert was a safety guidance message and did not introduce a temporary ban on fireworks, though it did ban the sale of disposable barbecues. The Weeknd performed his second Wembley show on Saturday, August 15, and is scheduled for further performances on Sunday, August 16, Tuesday, August 18, and Wednesday, August 19.