ShattaFest UK has been cancelled after police shut down the event over safety concerns caused by overcrowding.
According to UK police, the venue exceeded its approved capacity, forcing authorities to step in after a stampede was reported.
The organisers, Ghana Party in the Park, confirmed the cancellation in a statement and advised people not to travel to the festival venue while emergency services handled the situation.
“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 site until further notice,” the statement said.
The organisers said emergency services and other authorities were working to manage the situation.
“We kindly ask everyone to stay away from the area to allow them to carry out their work safely.
“We will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation,” they added.
The organisers have not said whether the event will be held on another date or if ticket holders will receive refunds.
ShattaFest was expected to feature Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale as one of the headline performers.
Authorities are yet to confirm whether any arrests were made following the incident.
In a video, a UK police officer said the event was cancelled after a stampede left several people injured.
“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,” the officer said.
