Man dies, six injured after sign falls at Christian festival in West Sussex

A 41-year-old man has died and at least six other people have been injured after a large sign fell at a Christian festival in West Sussex, police said.

The man, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was pronounced dead at the scene after the incident at the Big Church festival near Steyning on Friday afternoon.

His next of kin have been told and are being supported by specialist officers, Sussex police said.

The force added that at least six other people have been taken to hospital for treatment.

DCS 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.”

Anyone with any information or relevant video footage has been asked to contact police.

In a post on Instagram shortly after 5.30pm, organisers told attenders the show had been cancelled and all day visitors “must leave the site now”.

Organisers later said they had decided to cancel the rest of the festival, which had been scheduled to run 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,” the festival said in an online statement.

“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.”

Officers remained at the scene on Friday night, and people were advised to avoid the area.

The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and local authority, Sussex police said.

McDonagh added: “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.

“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.”