A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne has died after a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, leaving at least six other people injured. The incident put the event into lockdown and led to the cancellation of the day's programme.
Sussex Police said they were called to the Christian festival at Wiston Park, Steyning, at 3.38pm on Friday 28 August 2026 after reports that a large sign had fallen and injured a number of people at the site. The man died at the scene, the force confirmed in a statement.
Police response and appeal for information
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.”
Road closure and festival cancellation
A police spokesman added that a section of the A283 was temporarily closed between Washington Roundabout and the B2135 Horsham Road to allow emergency services to respond. Police and partners remained at the scene, and the public were urged to avoid the area where possible.
The Health and Safety Executive and local authority have been informed. Big Church Festival announced the event would be paused and no further programme would take place that day. The festival had begun on Friday and was set to run until Sunday.
In an earlier Instagram post, Big Church Festival said: “We are very sorry to inform you that today’s show has been cancelled due to a serious incident. All day visitors must leave the site now. If you are camping with us, please return to your campsite and await further updates. Campers may leave the site if they wish to do so.”
In a later statement, the organisers said their “thoughts and prayers are with those who have been directly impacted by the incident”. A Big Church Festival spokesperson said: “We are working closely with the emergency services and relevant authorities. Further announcements will be made as more information becomes available. We are grateful for the understanding, patience, and prayers of our community at this time.”
Ambulance service on scene
South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed it attended the Wiston Park venue. A spokesman 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."
