At least six people have been injured after a sign fell at a Christian festival in West Sussex. The Big Church Festival, held at Wiston Park in Steyning, was placed into lockdown following the serious incident, which left attendees hurt.
Emergency response and lockdown
Emergency services were alerted to the site at approximately 3.38pm, with critical care paramedics dispatched to the festival grounds. Police were also called and remain at the scene, assisting other emergency services.
The organisers confirmed on social media that the 2026 edition of the festival has been paused, with no further shows taking place today. An email shared by a guest, purporting to be from the organisers, urged all campers to return to their accommodation and said shows were ordered to stop 'due to a serious incident on site.'
Organisers' statement
In a statement, Big Church Festival said: 'Big Church Festival 2026 has been paused following a serious incident on site, and no further programme will take place today. First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been directly impacted by the incident. We understand this will be deeply disappointing for the thousands who have joined us at the festival. 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.'
Police report and traffic disruption
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.'
