Big Church Festival replace as one lifeless and 6 injured in ‘devastating incident’
Big Church Festival has been “brought to a close” following a “devastating incident” that saw one man killed and six people injured after a sign had reportedly fallen at the West Sussex site
Ambulances swarmed the site following reports a sign had fallen (Image: Natalie Styles)
A “serious incident” at a Christian festival in West Sussex that saw one person dead and multiple people injured with the three-day event now being “brought to a close”.
Ambulance crews said six people had been injured amid reports a sign had fallen at Big Church Festival at Wiston Park near Steyning. However, police have now given an update and sadly confirmed that a man has lost his life.
Police were called about 3.38pm on Friday 28 August to reports that a large sign had fallen and injured a number of people at the site, in Washington Road. A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and supported by specialist officers.
Festivalgoers were told to head to the campsite or return home(Image: Natalie Styles)
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.
“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 Big Church Festival was being held West Sussex (file)(Image: Big Church Festival)
In a post on Instagram shortly after 5.30pm, organisers told attendees that Friday’s show had been cancelled and all day visitors “must leave the site now”. Now a message on the grounds that has been circulating on social has said the event has been “brought to a close” because of “devastating incident”.
The full message read: “As many of you will already know, Big Church Festival 2026 has been brought to a close because of the devastating accident that happened on site today.
“The campsite will remain open for those who wish to stay overnight, or you’re free to travel home if you wish.
“We know you will have many questions, more information will be on our website when it becomes available.”
Sussex Police said emergency services were at the scene following reports a sign had fallen and injured a number of people at the site off Washington Road.
“Police were called at around 3.38pm and remain at the scene, assisting other emergency services, at this time,” a force spokesperson said.
South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said its crews were called to reports that “multiple people” needed medical attention.
“Ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams are currently on scene with six patients confirmed so far,” a Secamb spokesperson said.
“We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.”
The festival began on Friday and had been set to run until Sunday. Big Church Festival said on Instagram: “We are very sorry to inform you that today’s show has been cancelled due to a serious incident.
“All day visitors must leave the site now. If you are camping with us, please return to your campsite and await further updates. Campers may leave the site if they wish to do so.”
In a later statement, the organisers added that their “thoughts and prayers are with those who have been directly impacted by the incident”.
“We understand this will be deeply disappointing for the thousands who have joined us at the festival,” a Big Church Festival spokesperson said.
“We are working closely with the emergency services and relevant authorities. Further announcements will be made as more information becomes available.
“We are grateful for the understanding, patience, and prayers of our community at this time.”
According to its website, Big Church Festival was founded in 2009 and is the UK’s biggest Christian festival.
The Met Office had urged festivalgoers to prepare for windy conditions over the bank holiday weekend.
According to its UK weather map, wind speeds of up to 27mph were recorded in Shoreham, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon.
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