Several people were injured at the Ghana Party in the Park festival in Barnet, London, on Saturday evening, leading police to declare a major incident and temporarily pause the event. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the injuries were non-life-threatening and resulted from an overcrowding issue at the entrance to Copthall Playing Fields.
Police respond to overcrowding at festival entrance
Officers were called to the scene on August 1 after large crowds attempted to enter the cultural festival, causing a crush at the gates. 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."
The force explicitly dismissed rumours circulating on social media that a stabbing had occurred, urging the public not to speculate about the incident. Emergency services, including London Ambulance Service, were on site to treat the injured and manage the situation.
Organisers urge public to stay away
Festival organisers took to social media to announce the temporary pause, writing: "Due to a major incident at the festival site, the event has been temporarily paused. Please do not travel to or come to the festival site until further notice." They added that emergency services and relevant authorities were managing the situation and asked everyone to stay away to allow them to work safely.
The organisers promised further updates as more information became available, thanking attendees for their patience and cooperation. The event, which celebrates Ghanaian culture with music, food, and performances, had been scheduled to run throughout the day.
Impact on attendees and local area
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as crowds pushed towards the entrance, with some people trapped in the crush. One attendee, who asked not to be named, said: "It was scary. People were shouting and pushing, and some fell. The police arrived quickly, but it took a while to clear the area."
The Metropolitan Police have advised the public to avoid Copthall Playing Fields and the surrounding area while the investigation and emergency response continue. Road closures were in place near the venue, causing disruption to local traffic.
Background on the festival
Ghana Party in the Park is an annual event that has been held in London for over a decade, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It showcases Ghanaian music, dance, and cuisine, and is one of the largest African cultural festivals in the UK. This year's edition was scheduled to feature multiple stages, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
The incident raises questions about crowd control and safety measures at large-scale outdoor events, particularly at entry points. Event safety experts note that overcrowding at entrances is a common challenge, and organisers often implement timed entry or capacity limits to mitigate risks.
Official response and next steps
As of late Saturday night, no further details about the number of injured or their conditions had been released. The Met Police said an investigation into the incident would be conducted to determine the cause of the overcrowding and whether any safety protocols were breached.
Local councillors and MPs have expressed concern and offered support to those affected. Barnet Council issued a statement saying they were "aware of the incident and in contact with emergency services." The festival's future editions may face increased scrutiny from authorities regarding safety planning.
Residents and attendees are urged to follow official updates from the Met Police and festival organisers for the latest information.
