A man has died and several others were injured after a large sign fell at a Christian festival in West Sussex today.
The Big Church Festival, a Christian event in Wiston Park, Steyning, came to a halt today after the serious incident.
The emergency services were alerted to the site at about 3.38pm, with critical care paramedics sent to the festival grounds.
A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died at the scene, the police said. His next of kin have been informed.
Organisers of the Big Church Festival said that they have decided to close the event following the incident.
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.’
Full statement from Big Church Festival
The organisers said in an update shortly after 10pm: ‘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.
‘Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close.
‘Our immediate priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved and helping those currently at the festival to leave the site safely.
‘We will provide further information as quickly as we can through our website and official channels. Please look to these for updates.
‘We are working with the emergency services, police and the Health and Safety Executive as they establish the circumstances surrounding today’s incident. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded, and to our teams and community for the care they have shown one another.
‘Big Church Festival is about bringing people together. Tonight, that community is grieving. Right now, our focus is on those directly affected by what happened today.
‘We are heartbroken.’
The organisers confirmed on social media earlier that the 2026 edition of the festival was paused before the news of the death emerged.
An email shared by a guest, purporting to be from the organisers, urged all campers to return to their accommodation and shows were ordered to stop ‘due to a serious incident on site.’
Although the cause of the incident has not been confirmed, Steyning has endured heavy winds and some rain today, with the Met Office warning of up to 30mph gusts.
The ambulance service confirmed that six patients were initially looked after by the crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams.
The police said: ‘Emergency services are currently responding to an incident at an event near Steyning.
‘It follows reports of a sign having fallen and injured a number of people at the site in Washington Road.
‘Police were called at around 3.38pm and remain at the scene, assisting other emergency services, at this time.
‘As a result, there is likely to be some traffic disruption in the local area, and we would urge the public to seek alternative routes if possible.
‘We have no further information at this time, but will provide any updates as soon as we are in a position to do so.’
The festival line-up takes place between Friday and Sunday, and today was meant to be the main event.
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