Multiple individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were carried out on stretchers following a stampede at the Ghana Party in the Park festival in north London on Saturday. Organizers were compelled to close the family-friendly event prematurely at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet due to overcrowding.
The incident led to a significant emergency response, with numerous ambulances and air ambulances seen at the venue. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and the festival as poorly organized. Some attendees reported being unable to enter the event for hours, with crowds of people gathered outside.
Several festivalgoers reportedly passed out due to the density of the crowd. Images from the event depicted rows of emergency vehicles.
Ghana Party in the Park, an annual celebration of Ghanaian music, culture, food, fashion, and community, has been held since 2005 and typically attracts over 8,000 people, making it the largest Ghanaian event outside of Ghana.
In a statement, organizers confirmed the festival's closure was a health and safety decision made in consultation with emergency services. They explicitly denied circulating rumors of stabbings or deaths, stating that no one was attacked. The Metropolitan Police corroborated the cause as overcrowding and also refuted claims of stabbings, urging the public to avoid the area.
Barnet Council also confirmed the early closure due to overcrowding and the resulting injuries, with police and council officers present at the scene.