Christian festival cancelled after falling sign kills man

A Christian festival in West Sussex, United Kingdom, has been cancelled after a large sign fell, killing a 41-year-old man and injuring at least six other people.

The incident happened at the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park, near Steyning, on Friday afternoon. Sussex Police said they were called at about 15:38 BST after receiving reports that a large sign had fallen and injured several people.

The man, who was from Eastbourne in East Sussex, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers. At least six other people were taken to hospital for treatment.

Festival organisers said they were “devastated” by the incident and expressed their sympathy to those affected, their families and friends, and people who witnessed what happened.

“Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close,” organisers said.

The festival had begun on Friday and was scheduled to continue until Sunday, but attendees were instructed to leave after the incident. The event is described by its organisers as the UK’s biggest Christian festival.

Police officers remained at the scene while investigations continued. The Health and Safety Executive and the local authority have also been informed.

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Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh described the incident as tragic and urged anyone with information or relevant video footage to contact police.

“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,” he said.

A section of the A283 was temporarily closed to allow emergency services to respond to the incident.

Authorities are now working with partner agencies to establish exactly what caused the sign to fall.

(BBC News)