A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne, East Sussex, has died and at least six other people have been injured after a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival near Steyning in West Sussex on Friday afternoon. Police were called to the scene off Washington Road, where the man was pronounced dead. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, Sussex Police said.
Police respond to tragic 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.”
In a post on Instagram shortly after 5.30pm, organisers told attendees that Friday’s show had been cancelled and all day visitors “must leave the site now”. Later, organisers said they had decided to cancel the rest of the festival, which had been due to run until Sunday.
Festival organisers cancel remaining events
In a statement on social media, a Big Church Festival spokesperson 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. Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close.”
Investigation underway
Officers remained at the scene on Friday night as police continued to urge people to avoid the area. The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and local authority, Sussex Police confirmed.
“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,” said Mr McDonagh. “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.”
Anyone with information which could help police is asked to report it online or call 101 and quote Operation Igloo.
