03/08/2026
We would like to send a huge thank you to our hardworking security teams for their amazing efforts while deployed at Copthall Park, Barnet, on Saturday for the Ghana Party.
The situation became extremely challenging as a growing number of people became frustrated while queueing to enter the Ghana Party on Saturday afternoon.
We had to temporarily delay entry to the festival due to our team responding to an emergency situation that required an immediate response. This resulted in our team extinguishing a fire at a catering unit on site, located very close to the pedestrian entrance.
As soon as we were satisfied that the fire had been extinguished, and the London Fire Brigade had confirmed the area was safe, we reopened the search lane. However, we were then faced with immense pressure from the growing number of frustrated attendees waiting to enter.
Our security teams remained professional, patient, and responsive throughout the developing situation. Sadly, the pushing and behaviour of some of those waiting to enter the venue created further pressure on our officers, who were doing their utmost to facilitate a safe solution to the queueing situation.
The various videos clearly show the significant pressure from the crowds pushing against the SteelShield gates and our security teams.
The crowd surge caused a safety breach and resulted in a stampede at the entrance to the festival arena.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the crowd surge and anyone who may have sustained injuries. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries reported as a result of this incident.
Thanks to the hard work, professionalism, and dedication of the Right Guard team, greater problems were averted while maintaining the safety of everyone at the event.
Finally, thank you to all of our team members who were directly involved in managing the incident, as well as our wider teams for their support and response.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c05q964n4llo