Man dies, six injured after sign collapses at Christian festival in West Sussex
Quick Look
- A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died and at least six others were injured when a large wooden sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival in Wiston Park, near Steyning, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon.
- Police, HSE and local authorities are investigating the incident, which led to the festival's closure.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Big Church Festival is an annual Christian event held at Wiston Park near Steyning in West Sussex. The festival attracts thousands of attendees and features religious gatherings, music, and community activities.
A 41-year-old man has died and at least six other people have been injured after reports a large sign had fallen at a Christian festival in West Sussex, police said.
Sussex Police said it was called to the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park, near Steyning, at about 15:38 BST on Friday.
At least six people were taken to hospital for treatment, and a 41-year-old man, from Eastbourne, died at the scene, the force said.
Organisers said following the incident the festival would be brought to a close.
Det Ch Supt Richard McDonagh said he recognised the "immense distress this will have caused people at the festival" and the police were working to establish what happened at the site in Washington Road.
"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."
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority have been informed, the force added.
Festival organisers said their thoughts were with those affected, and their immediate priority is the wellbeing of those involved and helping people leave the festival site safely.
Theo Saville, who was at the festival, said that a "large wooden sign" had collapsed near the entrance to a tented area.
"The sign fell in the direction of the wind," he told the BBC.
"Soon after we were told to return to tents, and an air ambulance landed."
Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said earlier on Friday: "Concerned to hear reports of casualties at the Big Church festival at Wiston.
"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."
The Diocese of Chichester said: "We pray for all involved in this accident and those responding."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Health and Safety Executive will launch a formal investigation into the sign collapse.
Very likely · Within weeks
Sussex Police will continue to gather witness statements and video footage under Operation Igloo.
Certain · Within days
Open Questions
- What caused the large wooden sign to collapse?
- Were there any prior safety inspections of the sign or festival structures?
- What specific injuries did the six hospitalized individuals sustain?
- Will there be a formal inquiry into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive?
