Organisers of Ghana Party in the Park have issued an official statement following safety incidents that led to the early closure of this year’s festival in London.
In the August 2 statement, the organisers dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming there were stabbings and fatalities at the event.
According to the organisers, while several attendees sustained injuries during the festival, there were no stabbing incidents and no deaths, describing contrary reports as false and inaccurate.
“We can confirm that there were no stabbing incidents at the festival and no fatalities occurred. Any reports suggesting otherwise are false and do not reflect the facts as they are currently known.
“Earlier in the day, a fire involving a vendor required a temporary pause to the festival while the London Fire Brigade emergency services and our event safety teams responded. Once the incident had been addressed and the affected area declared safe, normal event operations resumed.”
The organisers also expressed sympathy to everyone affected by the incidents, apologising to those who suffered injuries or distress during the event.
“Yesterday [Saturday, August 1] was one of the most difficult days in the history of Ghana Party in the Park.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone who was injured, distressed or otherwise affected by the events that took place. Seeing members of our community impacted in this way has been deeply upsetting. We sincerely apologise, and our hearts go out to everyone involved.”
They also wished those who were injured a speedy recovery while extending support to their families and loved ones.
Read the full statement below.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM GHANA PARTY IN THE PARK
Yesterday was one of the most difficult days in the history of Ghana Party in the Park.
First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone who was injured, distressed or otherwise affected by the events that took place.
Seeing members of our community impacted in this way has been deeply upsetting. We sincerely apologise, and our hearts go out to everyone involved.
We wish those who sustained injuries a full and speedy recovery and extend our sincere support to their families, friends and loved ones.
We are also aware of inaccurate information circulating on social media.
We can confirm that there were no stabbing incidents at the festival and no fatalities occurred. Any reports suggesting otherwise are false and do not reflect the facts as they are currently known.
Earlier in the day a fire involving a vendor required a temporary pause to the festival while the London Fire Brigade emergency services and our event safety teams responded.
Once the incident had been addressed and the affected area declared safe normal event operations resumed.
Later in the day a crowd surge at the festival entrance resulted in several attendees sustaining injuries. Emergency services responded immediately including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and the Air Ambulance.
Following discussions with the emergency services and our events management company the difficult decision was taken to bring the festival to an early close in the interests of public safety.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, the Air Ambulance our security teams, medical personnel, volunteers and all those who worked tirelessly to respond quickly and professionally throughout the incident.
The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone attending Ghana Party in the Park has always been and will always remain our highest priority.
For more than twenty years, Ghana Party in the Park has celebrated Ghanaian culture, music and community, welcoming thousands of people in a safe and positive environment. This year’s event was in conjunction with ShattaFest.
We remain committed to learning from this incident and will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities as they establish the full circumstances surrounding what occurred.
We remain committed to keeping our community informed and will provide further updates when appropriate.
Ghana Party in the Park Team
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