Ghana Party in the Park halted after overcrowding injures several in Barnet

A cultural festival in Barnet was halted on the evening of 1 August 2026 after an overcrowding incident at the entrance to Ghana Party in the Park left several people injured. Metropolitan Police officers were deployed to Copthall Playing Fields, where the event was taking place.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening. A spokesperson for the force told MyLondon that speculation about a stabbing was inaccurate. Police asked residents to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate without obstruction.

Festival organisers respond

Organisers of Ghana Party in the Park posted a statement on social media shortly after the incident. They described it as a "major incident" and said the event had been "temporarily paused". The statement urged the public not to travel to or approach the festival site until further notice.

The organisers added that emergency services and relevant authorities were managing the situation. They said they would provide updates when more information became available but did not specify when that would be.

What happens next

Metropolitan Police have not released a timeline for reopening Copthall Playing Fields or resuming the festival. It is unclear whether the event will continue on 2 August 2026 or if it will be cancelled entirely. Residents are advised to check the festival’s social media channels for updates.

No arrests have been reported in connection with the incident. The cause of the overcrowding and the exact number of people injured remain unclear.