devastation after a falling sign injured seven people and killed a 41-year-old man.
Sussex Police said emergency services responded to the incident at Wiston Park, near Steyning, at around 15:38 BST on Friday.
Police later confirmed that a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne, East Sussex, died at the scene.
The incident happened on the opening day of the Christian festival, which was scheduled to continue through Sunday. However, organisers cancelled the rest of the event following the tragedy.
Christian Festival Cancelled After Fatal Accident
Festival organisers said they were deeply saddened by what happened.
“We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026 today,” a festival spokesperson said.
The organisers confirmed that a sign fell during the event and injured at least seven people. One of those injured later died.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and treated those affected.
Meanwhile, police and other authorities began working to establish exactly what caused the sign to fall.
The organisers said they were cooperating with Sussex Police, the emergency services and the Health and Safety Executive as they investigated the incident.
Witness Describes Large Wooden Sign
Theo Saville, who attended the festival, said a large wooden sign collapsed near the entrance to a tented area.
The incident shocked festivalgoers and prompted an immediate emergency response.
The organisers praised those who responded to the accident and thanked members of the festival community for supporting one another.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded, and to our teams and community for the care they have shown one another,” they said.
Charity Says Festival Community Supported Each Other
ParentFuel, a Christian charity that supports parents, said all of its team members at the festival were safe.
The organisation also praised the way the festival team handled the aftermath.
In a social media statement, ParentFuel said its members were gathered in the volunteer tent on Saturday morning, where worship music played as people supported each other.
The charity described the incident as a “freak accident” while reflecting on the loss of life.
The tragedy has left the festival community mourning as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Police Appeal for Information
Sussex Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward.
The Health and Safety Executive and the local authority have also been informed.
Investigators will now examine the sign, the surrounding area and the circumstances leading up to the collapse.
Authorities have not yet announced what caused the structure to fall.
Big Church Festival Cancels Remaining Events
The Big Church Festival began on Friday and had planned several days of Christian worship, music and community activities.
However, organisers decided to cancel the remainder of the festival after the fatal incident.
The event describes itself as the UK’s biggest Christian festival and has taken place since its founding in 2009.
For attendees and organisers, what was meant to be a weekend of worship and celebration has instead become a period of mourning following the unexpected death.
