Three people have been arrested after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed during the New Gen Festival in Walpole Park on Wednesday evening (29 July 2026).
The teenager was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. Police said his injuries were not life-changing.
Two boys, aged 15 and 16, and an 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of affray shortly after the stabbing, which happened at around 6pm. All three have since been released on bail while police continue their investigation.
New Gen Festival, organised by and for young people aged 10 to 25, returned to Walpole Park for its fifth year, showcasing music, dance and emerging talent. Organisations behind the event included Bollo Brook Youth Centre, Ealing Council, JE Delve and a range of community partners.
A local resident who contacted EALING.NEWS described seeing hundreds of young people running around the park in groups as police cars and ambulances arrived. The resident said an air ambulance also landed in the park.
Councillor Lauren Wall, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at New Gen Festival. This is a much-loved and positive event for young people, and it is the first time we have experienced anything of this nature.
“The safety of everyone attending our events is always our highest priority. Robust security measures were in place, including bag searches and metal detector wand screenings, and we will continue to review arrangements alongside our partners.
“Our thoughts are with the young people who were impacted, as well as their family and friends. We are working closely with the police and will support their investigation in any way we can.
“We would also like to apologise to those who had tickets but were unable to enter the event following the incident. We appreciate their understanding while the emergency services responded to the situation and ensured the safety of those present.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Met officers arrested two boys – aged 15 and 16 – and an 18-year-old man on suspicion of affray shortly after a stabbing in Walpole Park, Ealing at around 18:00hrs on Wednesday, 29 July.
“Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, responded to reports of a 16-year-old boy suffering from stab wounds. The victim was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital where his injuries were confirmed to be non-life changing.
“The suspects were bailed pending further enquiries until October 2026.”
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, Liberal Democrat Walpole ward Councillor Matt Mellor, said: “Our thoughts go out to the victim of the stabbing incident at the Next Gen Festival yesterday. We thank the Polce, Security Team and Event Organisers for acting promptly to manage the situation.
“However, it is important that the Safety Advisory Group reviews in detail what happened and considers recommendations to improve the security arrangements at any future events. As a Liberal Democrat group, we will be asking to see the report and will scrutinise the event licences for future events”.
Ealing Conservatives leader and Ealing Broadway ward councillor Julian Gallant told EALING.NEWS: “Thanks as always to the response of our emergency services. I’m shocked to see something like this at New Gen.
“I attend almost every year in my capacity as an Ealing councillor and as a musician looking out for new musical talent. It’s an excellent one-day event and security is very well organised. My thoughts are with the victim and family.”
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