The management of Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has expressed deep sorrow following the cancellation of ShattaFest UK after a stampede at the event venue in London left several attendees injured, with reports of air ambulances airlifting victims from the scene .
The highly anticipated festival, also known as Ghana Party in the Park, was abruptly halted on Saturday evening at Copthall Playing Fields in Barnet, north London, after severe overcrowding at one of the entrances triggered a crowd crush .
Festival Shut Down Over Safety Concerns
According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were called to the venue after an overcrowding issue at the entrance saw several people sustain non-life-threatening injuries . Authorities intervened after the venue exceeded its approved capacity, creating significant safety risks for attendees .
A police officer at the venue announced the cancellation, stating: “There’s been a massive accident, a stampede which led to quite a lot of people getting hurt, and for that reason and for public safety it has to be shut down” .
Disturbing footage shared online showed chaotic scenes with people falling to the ground as crowds surged through the entrance. Emergency services responded in force, with witnesses reporting that air ambulances were deployed and several injured people were carried away on stretchers .
One 18-year-old witness, Kieran Turnbull, described the scene: “We saw this stampede coming through the main entrance. At the bit where they do the bag and clothing searches everyone was just pushing through. People were being carried out on stretchers. It became very, very chaotic” .
Organisers and Police Clarify Misinformation
The organisers initially described the interruption as a temporary pause before later confirming the event had been cancelled “solely on the grounds of health and safety” .
In a statement released late Saturday, organisers said: “Following the unfortunate incident at today’s event, we wish to provide an update regarding the abrupt closure of Ghana in the Park. Officers from the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade responded to a major incident on site” .
Both police and organisers moved quickly to dispel rumours circulating on social media. The Metropolitan Police stated: “Speculation about a stabbing is inaccurate. Please help us by avoiding the area” . Organisers similarly clarified: “We would like to clarify that there were no incidents of stabbing and deaths as being speculated” .
Wale’s Management: ‘A Night of Celebration Has Become a Moment of Pain’
In a statement issued after the incident, Shatta Wale’s management expressed devastation over the turn of events.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we address the unfortunate events surrounding SHATTAFEST UK. 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 team said it was deeply saddened by reports of injuries and “alleged loss of lives,” but noted it was awaiting official confirmation from the relevant authorities .
“Shatta Wale has always stood for the people. Every performance is built on bringing joy, hope, and unforgettable memories to the fans who have supported him throughout the years. To know that what was meant to be a night of celebration has become a moment of pain is truly devastating” .
The management appealed to the public and media to refrain from speculation while investigations continue . They confirmed that Shatta Wale and the Shatta Movement team would cooperate fully with authorities and event organisers to establish what led to the incident .
A Festival with Deep Cultural Significance
Ghana Party in the Park is an annual outdoor festival that has been running since 2005, celebrating Ghanaian music, culture, food, fashion, and community . According to the London Assembly website, it attracts more than 8,000 people, making it the largest Ghanaian event outside of Ghana .
This year’s event was headlined by Shatta Wale and had drawn fans from across the UK and beyond . The festival was also scheduled to host a Ghana Card registration exercise for UK-based Ghanaians on its first day, in collaboration with the National Identification Authority .
What Happens Next
The Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service continue to investigate the incident. Authorities have not yet released an official update on the number of casualties or further details about the injured .
Organisers have not announced whether the event will be rescheduled or if ticket holders will receive refunds .
Shatta Wale’s management concluded its statement with a plea: “This is not the outcome anyone wished for. Today, our focus is not on a concert—it is on the people whose lives have been affected. We ask everyone to keep the victims, their loved ones, and all those impacted in your prayers” .
