Ghana Party in the Park Cancelled After Crowd Crush Leaves More Than 20 Injured
Ghana Party in the Park, one of the UK’s largest celebrations of Ghanaian culture, was cancelled on Saturday after a crowd crush at the entrance to the event left more than 20 people requiring medical treatment.
The incident occurred at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet, north London, where thousands had gathered for the annual festival, which has been held since 2005 and features live music, cultural performances and family entertainment.
According to the Metropolitan Police, a small fire near the entrance forced organisers to temporarily close the gates. As attendees continued to arrive, large crowds built up outside the venue. When the gates reopened, a surge of people at the entrance led to a crush, with several people falling and becoming trapped.
Emergency services responded to the scene, treating more than 20 people for injuries. At least three were taken to hospital, but authorities said all injuries were non-life-threatening.
The Metropolitan Police said the incident was caused by overcrowding and dismissed reports circulating on social media that stabbings or other violent incidents had occurred.
Barnet Council confirmed the festival had been brought to an early end after the overcrowding incident.
“The Ghana Party in the Park event at Copthall Playing Fields has ended early this evening after an overcrowding issue at the entrance saw several people sustain non-life-threatening injuries,” the council said in a statement. “Police and council officers are on site.”
Organisers said the decision to cancel the remainder of the festival followed consultations with emergency services and health and safety officials. They apologised to attendees for the disruption and urged members of the public not to travel to the venue.
Videos shared on social media showed large crowds gathered outside the entrance, with some people falling during the surge while security personnel and emergency responders worked to assist those affected.
The incident is expected to prompt scrutiny of crowd management and safety measures at large public events, including capacity controls, entry procedures and emergency planning.
No arrests have been reported in connection with the incident, and authorities are expected to conduct a review into the circumstances surrounding the crowd crush and the fire that preceded it.
Ghana Party in the Park is regarded as one of the UK’s biggest Ghanaian cultural festivals, attracting thousands of visitors each year for performances by leading artistes, food, fashion and community celebrations. Organisers have not yet announced whether the event will be rescheduled or whether ticket holders will receive refunds.
