A man has died and at least six others have been hurt after a sign collapsed onto festivalgoers at a Christian music event.
Police and emergency crews were called to the Big Church Festival near Steyning, West Sussex, after the incident unfolded at about 3.38pm on Friday.
Sussex Police said a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne was pronounced dead at the scene. His relatives have been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers.
People who witnessed the tragedy said a “large wooden sign” came down close to the entrance of a tented section of the festival site.
Festival attendee Theo Saville told the BBC the structure appeared to fall “in the direction of the wind”.
The Met Office had already warned people heading to festivals around the UK to be ready for blustery weather during the Bank Holiday weekend.
Its forecast map indicated gusty conditions in the area, with wind speeds reaching up to 27mph in Shoreham, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon.
In a statement released on Friday evening, organisers of Big Church Festival said they were “devastated” after an attendee died in what they described as a “serious incident”.
Organisers said the decision had been made to cancel the rest of the event.
An aerial view of Big Church Festival where six people have been injured after a sign fell onto a crowd
Emergency services are pictured at the scene of the incident on Friday evening
Paramedics have so far confirmed six patients, although their status is unclear
One festivalgoer previously said the area was put into ‘lockdown’ following the collapse of the sign – with people not allowed to get in or out.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said: ‘This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
‘At least six other people were also injured during this incident and have been taken to hospital for treatment.
‘I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.
‘We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we’re urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to please come forward. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.’
Ticketholders for the annual event received an email urging all campers to immediately return to their accommodation due to a ‘serious incident’.
A spokesperson for Big Church Festival said: ‘We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026 today, in which a sign fell, injuring at least seven people, one of whom tragically lost their life.
‘First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened.
An aerial view of campers at the festival, which was due to be attended by around 40,000 people
A number of police cars and ambulances can be seen at the festival where a sign collapsed
Ambulances are pictured at the scene of Big Church Festival on Friday
‘Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close.’
Big Church Festival is an annual Christian music and worship non-profit event.
It has been running since 2009 and was being held this year from August 28 to August 30. Around 40,000 people were expected to attend.
Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said: ‘Concerned to hear reports of casualties at the Big Church festival at Wiston.
‘There have certainly been strong gusts of wind during the course of this afternoon locally.
‘My thoughts are with all of those impacted at this time and those responding to the incident.’
A spokesperson for South East Coast Ambulance Service previously said: ‘South East Coast Ambulance Service was called to reports of multiple people in need of medical attention at Wiston Park, Steyning shortly after 15.30hrs today (Friday, 28 August 2026).
‘Ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams are currently on scene with six patients confirmed so far.
‘We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.’
