At least 23 people were injured in a crowd crush at Ghana Party in the Park, part of ShattaFest UK, at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet, north London. The event was abruptly cancelled after the incident, which happened at around 6pm on Saturday.
A small fire broke out near the entrance of the event, causing the gates to be closed temporarily. When they reopened, dozens of festival-goers surged into the park, with some tripping over and becoming trapped under the crowd. Footage from plus1tv showed security guards trying to pull people free while revellers continued to push through despite police and organisers using megaphones to tell them to stop.
Injured festival-goers carried on stretchers
Footage shared by Ghanaian outlet Dadzie TV showed injured attendees being taken away on stretchers by police officers and paramedics. Kieran Turnbull, 18, told The Sun he saw three people stretchered from the concert. "It became very, very chaotic," he said, describing the event as "very poorly organised."
In a video posted by TikTok account Momo blogs, an officer was filmed telling waiting crowds: "There are too many people here. Too many people; the event's been cancelled. Please, go home, go home."
Organisers cancel festival on health and safety grounds
On Instagram, organisers said the festival had been stopped following an "unfortunate incident". They added: "The decision to close the festival was made solely on the grounds of health and safety. Officers from the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade responded to a major incident on the site."
Organisers stressed that, despite online speculation, no stabbing or deaths had been reported. "We wish all those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery and a safe journey back home to everyone," they said.
Police and ambulance response
Police told Metro they responded to the crushing at about 6pm. "A small fire on the site, near to the entrance, had required the gates to be closed temporarily. A crowd built up and surged when the gates were reopened," the force said. "Officers responded quickly and working alongside event organisers, they formed a barrier between the surging crowds and people on the floor. Officers gave initial medical care, including CPR, to those who had sustained injuries."
The London Ambulance Service told Metro that paramedics "treated multiple patients at the scene before conveying three patients to hospital".
Shatta Wale speaks out
Reggae-dancehall artist Shatta Wale, whose real name is Charles Mensah Jr, was due to headline the festival. He said on X that the event ending was "not the outcome anyone wished for". A statement from the artist added: "Shatta Wale has always stood for the people. Every performance is built on bringing joy, hope and unforgettable memories to the fans who have supported him throughout the years. To know that what was meant to be a night of celebration has become a moment of pain is truly devastating."
About the festival
Ghana Party in the Park is an annual outdoor festival that has run since 2005. It is described as one of the largest Ghanaian events outside Ghana, attracting 10,000 people every year. The festival's website says: "More than just a festival, GPITP is a vibrant cultural experience, bringing together people from all walks of life, across generations and backgrounds, to celebrate the richness and diversity of Ghanaian heritage."
