Escapade delayed by heavy rain — start time of Ottawa festival pushed to 3:15 p.m.

The start of Sunday’s edition of the sold-out Escapade Music Festival at Lansdowne Park was delayed because of heavy rainfall.

Doors opened at the electronic music festival at 3:15 p.m., more than two hours later than scheduled.

Ottawa was under a heavy rainfall warning issued by Environment Canada, with 25-30 mm of rain expected alongside the possibility of severe thunderstorms.

A festival spokesperson said the organizing team continued to monitor storm and wind conditions and would update any changes on its social media platforms.

Former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, who performs as DJ Diesel, appeared at the festival on Friday. He was welcomed to the city by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.