23 injured in Hendon festival crush after fire closes gates
Metropolitan Police declared a major incident at Ghana Party in the Park on 1 August 2026
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Twenty-three people were injured at a festival in Hendon on 1 August 2026 when a crowd surged at the entrance to Ghana Party in the Park. The incident occurred after a small fire near the gates prompted organisers to close them temporarily. Metropolitan Police declared a major incident and shut the event early.
The festival, held at Copthall Playing Fields, is an annual celebration of Ghanaian music, culture, food and fashion. It has taken place every year since 2005 and typically draws more than 8,000 attendees, according to figures from the London Assembly.
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Fire and surge led to injuries
Police said they were first alerted to reports of crushing at the event entrance shortly after 18:00 on 1 August. A small fire had broken out near the gates, leading organisers to close them. When the gates reopened, a crowd that had gathered outside surged forward.
Officers formed a barrier between the surging crowd and people who had fallen. They provided initial medical care, including CPR, before paramedics and firefighters arrived. Four fire engines and a Fire Rescue Unit attended the scene, as reported by Barnet Post.
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All 23 injuries were described as non-life threatening by police. Three people were taken to hospital. The event, scheduled to end at 21:00, was closed early after police declared a major incident due to overcrowding.
Festival history and scale
Ghana Party in the Park has been a fixture in Barnet’s cultural calendar for over two decades. The festival celebrates Ghanaian heritage and attracts large crowds from London’s Ghanaian diaspora. Organisers have not yet commented on the incident.
The London Assembly lists the event as one of the largest gatherings of its kind in the capital. This year’s attendance figures have not been released, but previous editions have drawn crowds exceeding 8,000 people.
What happens next
Metropolitan Police have not confirmed whether an investigation into the incident will take place. Barnet Council, which manages Copthall Playing Fields, said it is reviewing the event’s safety arrangements but did not provide further details.
Festival organisers have not issued a public statement. It is unclear whether the event will return to Copthall Playing Fields in 2027. Residents and attendees can contact Barnet Council for updates on future events at the site.
Questions this report answers
+How many people were injured at the Hendon festival?
Twenty-three people were injured at Ghana Party in the Park on 1 August 2026. All injuries were described as non-life threatening by Metropolitan Police, and three attendees were taken to hospital for further treatment.
+Why was the festival closed early?
Metropolitan Police declared a major incident due to overcrowding at Copthall Playing Fields and closed Ghana Party in the Park early. The decision followed a crush at the entrance after a small fire forced temporary gate closure.
+Will the festival return to Copthall Playing Fields next year?
It is unclear whether Ghana Party in the Park will return to Copthall Playing Fields in 2027. Barnet Council is reviewing the event’s safety arrangements, but organisers have not issued a public statement about future plans.
+Who is responsible for managing the festival site?
Barnet Council manages Copthall Playing Fields, where Ghana Party in the Park took place. The council said it is reviewing the event’s safety arrangements following the incident on 1 August 2026.
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