Man Dies After Sign Falls on Him at Christian Music Festival
A man has died and at least six other people were injured after a large sign collapsed at a Christian music festival in West Sussex, England, on Friday afternoon.
What Happened
Sussex Police said officers were called to the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park, near Steyning, at approximately 3:38 p.m. local time on Friday following reports that a large sign had fallen and struck several people. A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers.
At least six other people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment. A festival attendee, Theo Saville, said a large wooden sign had collapsed near the entrance to a tented area.
The Met Office had warned festivalgoers to expect blustery conditions over the bank holiday weekend, and wind speeds reaching up to 27 mph were recorded nearby in Shoreham, West Sussex, that afternoon.
Festival Organizers React
Big Church Festival, held annually since 2009 and billed as the UK's largest Christian festival, was scheduled to run through the weekend but was brought to an early close following the incident.
In a statement issued Friday night, organizers 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."
Organizers said their immediate priority was ensuring the wellbeing of those involved and helping attendees leave the festival site safely.
Police Investigation
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said police recognized "the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival" and that investigators are working to determine exactly what happened.
"This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time," McDonagh said. He added that with thousands of people at the festival, police are asking anyone with information or relevant video footage to come forward.
Andrew Griffith, the Member of Parliament for Arundel and South Downs, also addressed the incident, saying: "There have certainly been strong gusts of wind during the course of this afternoon locally. My thoughts are with all of those impacted at this time and those responding to the incident."
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