ShattaFest UK Cancelled After Crowd Crush

ShattaFest UK, also known as Ghana Party in the Park, which was to have been headlined by popular musician, Shata Wale in London on Saturday was abruptly cancelled after a crowd crush outside the venue in Barnet left multiple attendees injured and prompted a major emergency response.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the incident occurred shortly after 18:00 BST at Copthall Playing Fields. According to authorities, a small fire near the entrance required the gates to be closed temporarily. When they were reopened, a large crowd surged forward, resulting in a crush.

A total of 23 people received medical assistance following the incident. Nine individuals were assessed by the London Ambulance Service, and three were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency services, including multiple ambulance crews, firefighters, and the London Air Ambulance, responded to the scene. The Metropolitan Police said officers provided initial medical care, including CPR, to those injured. Disturbing footage from the event showed chaotic scenes as people fell to the ground, with attendees and security staff attempting to help those being crushed.

 

Organisers Confirm Cancellation

Organisers initially described the interruption as a temporary pause but later confirmed the event had been cancelled on health and safety grounds.

“The decision to close the festival was made solely on the grounds of health and safety,” organisers said in a statement. “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”.

They also clarified that reports of stabbings or deaths at the event were inaccurate speculation.

 

Shatta Wale’s Management Responds

The management of Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, who was scheduled to headline the event, expressed profound sorrow over the cancellation.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we address the unfortunate events surrounding ShattaFest UK,” the management said in a statement. “Following reports of a serious incident outside the venue, the difficult decision was made to cancel the event. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of every single person who came to celebrate music, unity, and love”.

The statement noted that the team was deeply saddened by reports of injuries and awaited official confirmation from authorities regarding the full circumstances. Management urged the public and media to refrain from speculation and confirmed that Shatta Wale and his team would cooperate fully with investigators.

Ghana Party in the Park, which has been running since 2005, is the largest Ghanaian cultural event outside Ghana, attracting over 8,000 attendees according to the London Assembly