At least 23 people were injured in a crowd surge at a north London music festival on Friday evening, prompting organisers to cancel the event abruptly. The incident occurred at Ghana Party in the Park (GPITP), held at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet, when a small fire near the entrance forced temporary gate closures, leading to a build-up of attendees who surged forward as the gates reopened.
Fire sparks crowd surge and injuries
The fire broke out at approximately 6pm, and as security reopened the gates, dozens of festival-goers crammed into the park, with some tripping and being trapped under the surge. Footage from plus1tv showed police officers and organisers using megaphones to urge the crowd to stop, but revellers continued to push through. Videos shared on social media, including by Ghanaian outlet Dadzie TV, captured injured attendees being carried out on stretchers by police and paramedics.
Kieran Turnbull, an 18-year-old attendee, told The Sun he witnessed three people being stretchered away, describing the scene as 'very, very chaotic' and the event as 'very poorly organised.' An officer was filmed telling waiting crowds, 'There are too many people here. Too many people; the event's been cancelled,' and urging them to 'go home.'
Event cancelled on health and safety grounds
Organisers announced the cancellation on Instagram, stating the decision was made 'solely on the grounds of health and safety' following the 'unfortunate incident.' They confirmed that London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade responded to a major incident on site, and stressed that despite online speculation, no stabbings or deaths occurred. They added, 'We wish all those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery and a safe journey back home to everyone.'
The Metropolitan Police told Metro that officers responded to the 'crushing' at about 6pm, and that a small fire near the entrance had required temporary gate closures. '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.'
Headliner Shatta Wale expresses devastation
GPITP, also known as ShattaFest, was headlined by Ghanaian Reggae-Dancehall artist Shatta Wale, whose real name is Charles Mensah Jr. In a statement on X, Wale said the event's ending was 'not the outcome anyone wished for.' He 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.'
The London Ambulance Service confirmed that paramedics 'treated multiple patients at the scene before conveying three patients to hospital.' The festival, which has been running annually since 2005, is one of the largest Ghanaian events outside Ghana, attracting around 10,000 attendees each year. Its website describes it as '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.'
