A popular cultural festival in north London was brought to an early end after a crowd crush at the entrance left multiple people injured on Saturday evening. Ghana Party in the Park, held at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet, was forced to close following what organisers and police described as an overcrowding incident. The annual event, recognised as the largest Ghanaian gathering outside Ghana, attracts more than 8,000 attendees each year.

The incident occurred after a small fire broke out near the entrance, prompting organisers to temporarily shut the gates. As crowds gathered outside, a surge developed when access was restored, leading to scenes of panic and disorder.

Videos shared on social media captured the moment large numbers of people pushed forward, with several individuals falling to the ground as the crowd moved. Screams could be heard as members of the public and security personnel attempted to assist those trapped in the crush.

Emergency services responded rapidly to the scene. In total, 23 people received treatment or assistance from event medical staff and emergency responders. Nine individuals were assessed by the London Ambulance Service, while three were taken to hospital with injuries that were later confirmed to be non-life-threatening.

Footage from the site showed a significant emergency response, including ambulances, specialist teams and air ambulance support.

This year’s event featured Ghanaian Reggae-Dancehall star Shatta Wale as the headline act and was also promoted as ShattaFest UK.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 18:00hrs on Saturday, 1 August we were alerted to reports of crushing at the entrance to the Ghana Party in the Park event being held at the Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet.

“A small fire on the site, near to the entrance, had required the gates to be closed temporarily. A crowd built up and surged when the gates were reopened.

“Officers responded quickly and working alongside event organisers, they formed a barrier between the surging crowds and people on the floor. Officers gave initial medical care, including CPR, to those who had sustained injuries. They were joined by paramedics and firefighters as part of a coordinated multi-agency response.

“A total of 23 people received some form of assistance either from the emergency services or the event medical team, with nine people assessed by the London Ambulance Service. Three were taken to hospital where their condition was confirmed as non-life threatening.

“The event was ended early and crowds left without further incident.”

In a statement issued on Saturday night, festival organisers said the decision to halt the event was made entirely for safety reasons.

“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.

“Officers from the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade responded to a major incident on site.

“Following discussions with the emergency services and our health and safety team, it was agreed that closing the festival was the safest option in order to protect all attendees.”

Organisers also sought to address rumours circulating online, adding: "We would like to clarify that there were no incidents of stabbing and deaths as being speculated. The safety and wellbeing of our attendees, staff, artists, contractors and partners remains our upmost priority.”

The London Ambulance Service confirmed it had deployed a range of emergency resources following reports of the incident.

A spokesperson said: “We were called at 6.08pm on Saturday 1 August to reports of an incident in Hendon, NW4.

“We sent multiple resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, paramedics in fast-response cars and an advanced paramedic. We also dispatched our Hazardous Area Response Team and London's Air Ambulance.

“Working with the on-site medical provider, we treated multiple patients at the scene before conveying three patients to hospital.”

Barnet Council also confirmed the festival had been closed early due to overcrowding at the entrance.

A council spokesperson said: “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 police and council officers are on site, please help us by avoiding the area.”

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