A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne, East Sussex, has died and at least six other people have been injured after a large sign collapsed at a Christian festival in West Sussex.
Police were called to the Big Church Festival, located off Washington Road near Steyning, on Friday afternoon, where the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Sussex Police confirmed that his next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers.
Police response and appeal
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."
McDonagh added: "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."
Festival cancelled
In an Instagram post shortly after 5.30pm, festival organisers informed attendees that Friday's programme had been cancelled and that all day visitors "must leave the site now". Subsequently, organisers announced they had taken the decision to cancel the remainder of the festival, which had been due to continue until Sunday.
"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," a Big Church Festival spokesperson said in a statement on social media. "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."
Ongoing investigation
Officers stayed at the location throughout Friday evening as police continued to appeal to the public to stay away from the vicinity. The matter has been referred to the Health and Safety Executive and local authority, Sussex Police confirmed.
