Ghana Party in the Park cancelled after fire triggers crowd surge at Copthall Playing Fields
Three people were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following the incident on 1 August.
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The Ghana Party in the Park festival at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet was cancelled early on 1 August after a small fire triggered a crowd surge that left 23 people needing medical assistance. Three attendees were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
The incident began shortly after 18:00 when a fire near the entrance forced organisers to close the gates temporarily. When they reopened, a crowd surged forward, leading to the injuries. The Met Police said the situation escalated quickly, with emergency services responding to reports of crushing at the event.
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Emergency response and injuries
The London Ambulance Service dispatched multiple crews, including paramedics, a Hazardous Area Response Team, and London’s Air Ambulance. A spokesperson said they treated multiple patients at the scene before transporting three to hospital. The condition of all three was described as non-life-threatening.
Footage shared on social media showed chaotic scenes, with people falling to the ground as the crowd surged. Emergency vehicles, including air ambulances, were visible at the site. The London Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to the incident at 18:08.
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Festival cancelled on safety advice
Organisers announced the early closure of the festival in a statement on the same evening. They said the decision was made after discussions with emergency services and their health and safety team. The statement clarified that no stabbings or deaths occurred, contrary to initial speculation.
The decision to close the festival was made solely on the grounds of health and safety. The safety and wellbeing of our attendees, staff, artists, contractors and partners remains our upmost priority.
Ghana Party in the Park organisers
The festival, which has run annually since 2005, typically attracts over 8,000 attendees. It celebrates Ghanaian music, culture, and food, and is described as the largest Ghanaian event outside of Ghana. This year’s event was headlined by reggae-dancehall artist Shatta Wale.
Witness accounts
Eighteen-year-old Kieran Turnbull, who attended the event, told *The Sun* he saw a stampede at the main entrance. He described people pushing through the area where bag and clothing searches were conducted. Turnbull said the scene became chaotic, with people being carried out on stretchers.
What happens next
The Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service have not indicated any ongoing investigations into the incident. Barnet Council has not yet commented on whether it will review safety procedures for future events at Copthall Playing Fields. Organisers of Ghana Party in the Park have not announced any changes to next year’s event.
Questions this report answers
+How many people were injured at the Ghana Party in the Park festival?
Twenty-three people needed assistance from emergency services or the event medical team. Nine were assessed by the London Ambulance Service, and three were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.
+Why was the Ghana Party in the Park festival cancelled?
The festival was cancelled early on the advice of emergency services and the organisers’ health and safety team. A small fire led to temporary gate closures, followed by a crowd surge when they reopened, causing injuries and unsafe conditions.
+Were there any fatalities or stabbings at the event?
No. Organisers of Ghana Party in the Park clarified that there were no incidents of stabbing or deaths, despite initial speculation. The decision to close the event was made solely for health and safety reasons.
+What happens next after the incident at Copthall Playing Fields?
Neither the Metropolitan Police nor the London Ambulance Service have indicated any ongoing investigations. Barnet Council has not commented on potential reviews of safety procedures for future events at the site.
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