Big Church Festival 'devastated' as man dies after sign falls

Organisers of a Christian festival say they are “devastated” after a sign fell at their event and injured seven people, with one man dying at the scene.

Sussex Police said it had been called to the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park, near Steyning in West Sussex, at about 15:38 BST on Friday.

It was later confirmed a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne in East Sussex had died.

A spokesperson for the festival 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.”

South East Coast Ambulance service said four of the six people injured were taken to local hospitals for further treatment, with two people having serious injuries.

The Big Church Festival, which describes itself as the UK’s biggest Christian festival, was founded in 2009.

The festival began on Friday and was due to continue until Sunday, but a decision was made by organisers to cancel the remainder of the event after the incident.

“We are working with the emergency services, police and the Health and Safety Executive as they establish the circumstances surrounding today’s incident,” the organisers said.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded, and to our teams and community for the care they have shown one another.”