LONDON, UK – ShattaFest UK, which formed part of the annual Ghana Party in the Park festival, was cancelled on Saturday after a serious crowd crush at the entrance left several people injured, prompting a major emergency response that included London Air Ambulance.
The incident occurred at the main entrance to Copthall Playing Fields in North London, where thousands of music fans had gathered to watch Ghanaian dancehall superstar Shatta Wale and other performers.
According to eyewitnesses, the crush developed during security and bag checks as large numbers of people attempted to enter the venue at the same time. The pressure within the crowd caused people to fall, while others were trapped as those behind continued to push forward.
Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance, responded rapidly to the scene. Several injured attendees were treated at the venue, with some being taken away on stretchers for further medical attention. Authorities said the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. The Metropolitan Police said officers responded to an overcrowding issue at the entrance.
Following the incident, organisers halted the event before later confirming that it would not continue.
Organisers’ Statement
In a statement released on social media, the organisers said:
“Due to a major incident at the festival site, the event has been temporarily paused. Please do not travel to or come to the festival until further notice.”
The statement was later followed by confirmation that the remainder of the festival had been cancelled as emergency services dealt with the situation.
Many attendees expressed disappointment that the event ended before performances could take place, while others criticised crowd management and the organisation of entry procedures.
Police are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the incident as organisers work with the relevant authorities to establish exactly what led to the crowd crush.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger crowd management measures at large outdoor music festivals to ensure the safety of attendees
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