The organisers of Ghana Party in the Park have apologised after a crowd surge at the entrance of the family festival left multiple people injured and forced the event to close early.
Disturbing footage shared on social media shows people screaming and trying to free themselves as the crowd surged at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet, north London, on Saturday. Some guests are seen falling to the floor, and others are heard shouting in panic.
Three people were taken to hospital, while others sustained less serious injuries. Witnesses said injured people were carried from the grounds on stretchers by medics. One 18-year-old described the incident as "very chaotic," adding that the festival was "very poorly organised."
Organisers say scenes 'deeply upsetting'
In an official statement posted on Instagram, the festival organisers said: "Yesterday was one of the most difficult days in the history of Ghana Party in the Park. First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone who was injured, distressed or otherwise affected by the events that took place. Seeing members of our community impacted in this way has been deeply upsetting. We sincerely apologise and our hearts go out to everyone involved. We wish those who sustained injuries a full and speedy recovery and extend our sincere support to their families, friends and loved ones."
The statement added: "We are also aware of inaccurate information circulating on social media. We can confirm that there were no stabbing incidents at the festival and no fatalities occurred." Both the festival and the Metropolitan Police confirmed that speculation about a stabbing was inaccurate.
Earlier fire and early close
Earlier in the day, a fire involving a vendor required a temporary pause to the festival while the London Fire Brigade and event safety teams responded. Once the incident had been addressed and the affected area declared safe, normal event operations resumed.
Later, a crowd surge at the festival entrance resulted in several attendees sustaining injuries. Emergency services responded immediately, including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and the Air Ambulance. Following discussions with the emergency services and the events management company, organisers said the difficult decision was taken to bring the festival to an early close in the interests of public safety.
In a statement, the Met Police in Barnet said: "Officers are at Copthall Playing Fields where Ghana Party in the Park has been cancelled after an overcrowding issue at the entrance saw several people sustain non-life threatening injuries. Speculation about a stabbing is inaccurate. Please help us by avoiding the area. A total of 23 people received some form of assistance either from the emergency services or the event medical team, with nine people assessed by the London Ambulance Service. Three were taken to hospital, where their condition was confirmed as non-life-threatening. The event was ended early, and crowds left without further incident."
Background
Ghana Party in the Park has celebrated Ghanaian culture, music and community for more than twenty years, welcoming thousands of people in a safe and positive environment. This year's event was held in conjunction with ShattaFest.
