Ghana Party in the Park closed early after overcrowding injures attendees in Barnet
Barnet Council confirmed the festival’s abrupt closure following non-life-threatening injuries at Copthall Playing Fields
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The annual Ghana Party in the Park festival at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet was shut down early on Saturday evening after overcrowding at the entrance led to several injuries. Barnet Council confirmed the closure, stating that the decision followed non-life-threatening injuries among attendees. The event, which typically draws over 8,000 people, was described by organisers as a celebration of Ghanaian music, culture, and community.
Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, and two air ambulances, were deployed to the scene. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers were present and that the closure was due to an overcrowding issue. Speculation about stabbings or fatalities was dismissed by both police and festival organisers.
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Eyewitness accounts describe chaos
Eighteen-year-old Kieran Turnbull, who attended the event, told the Sun he witnessed a stampede near the entrance where bag searches were conducted. He said people were pushing through, and medics carried injured attendees away on stretchers. Another witness, quoted by the Daily Mail, reported that around 1,000 people remained outside the venue by 2pm, unable to enter.
Footage shared on social media showed dozens of emergency vehicles at the site. Organisers initially described the situation as a "major incident" and urged attendees to stay away before announcing the festival’s abrupt closure. They later issued a statement confirming the decision was made in consultation with emergency services and their health and safety team.
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“Following the unfortunate incident at today's event, we wish to provide an update regarding the abrupt closure of Ghana in the Park. The decision to close the festival was made solely on the grounds of health and safety.”
Ghana Party in the Park organisers
Council and police urge public to avoid area
A spokesperson for Barnet Council said police and council officers remained on site after the closure. The council advised the public to avoid Copthall Playing Fields while the situation was being managed. The Metropolitan Police echoed this advice, confirming that the event had been cancelled and urging people to stay away.
The festival, also known as ShattaFest UK, has been held annually since 2005. According to the London Assembly website, it is the largest Ghanaian cultural event outside Ghana. No further details about the injuries or the exact number of people affected have been released.
What happens next
Barnet Council and the Metropolitan Police have not announced any formal review or investigation into the incident. Organisers have not confirmed whether the event will return to Copthall Playing Fields in future years. Residents seeking updates are advised to monitor statements from Barnet Council and the festival’s official channels.
Questions this report answers
+How many people were injured at the festival?
The exact number of injuries is unclear, but Barnet Council and the Metropolitan Police confirmed several attendees sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services, including two air ambulances, responded to the scene.
+Why was the Ghana Party in the Park festival closed early?
The festival was closed early due to an overcrowding issue at the entrance, which led to injuries. Barnet Council and organisers cited health and safety concerns as the reason for the abrupt closure on 20 July.
+Will the festival return to Copthall Playing Fields next year?
It is unclear whether the festival will return to Copthall Playing Fields. Organisers have not confirmed any plans for future events following the incident on 20 July.
+What should residents do if they want updates on the incident?
Residents are advised to monitor statements from Barnet Council and the festival’s official channels for updates. The council and police have urged the public to avoid the area while officers remain on site.
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