A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne has died and at least seven people were injured after a large wooden sign fell at the Big Church Festival near Steyning in West Sussex on Friday afternoon. Emergency services were called to Wiston Park at approximately 15:38 BST, and the incident prompted organisers to cancel the remainder of the three-day event.
Sussex Police attended the scene following reports of the structural collapse. Police identified the deceased man and confirmed his family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers. The incident occurred during strong winds, according to later accounts of what unfolded at the festival.
Festival organisers released a statement expressing their distress at the tragedy.
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, which had begun on Friday and was scheduled to run through Sunday, was brought to an immediate close following the accident.
How did emergency services respond?
South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that six patients were on scene shortly after 3:30pm, with ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams deployed to the location. The scale of the emergency response underscored the severity of the incident and the need for immediate medical intervention.
What is the investigation status?
Authorities from multiple agencies are now examining the circumstances of the collapse. Festival organisers stated they are cooperating fully with emergency services and regulatory bodies.
We are working with the emergency services, police and the Health and Safety Executive as they establish the circumstances surrounding today's incident.The Health and Safety Executive and local authority have been informed and remain part of the ongoing inquiry. Sussex Police is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
What happens next?
Big Church Festival issued a public statement at 10:23pm on 28 August 2026 confirming the event had been brought to a close and pledging to share further updates through its website and official channels. Organisers said their immediate priority following the decision to end the festival was helping people leave the site safely.
How have attendees and supporters responded?
Christian parent support charity ParentFuel, which had members present at the festival, praised the way the situation was handled.
We cannot praise the BCF (Big Church Festival) team enough for the way things have been handled.The charity described the incident as a
freak accidentand reflected on the tragedy's impact.
Life is so precious and so, so short. This weekend brought that ever closer for us all.ParentFuel confirmed that all its people at the festival were safe.
Festival organisers also acknowledged the response from those present.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded, and to our teams and community for the care they have shown one another.
What is the Big Church Festival?
The Big Church Festival describes itself as the UK's biggest Christian festival and was established in 2009. The event at Wiston Park in West Sussex was in its early stages when the incident occurred, having only begun on Friday with plans to continue through the weekend. The festival attracts thousands of attendees and features worship, teaching and community activities centred on Christian faith.
Witness Theo Saville, who was present at the festival, described seeing the structure collapse near the entrance to a tented area. The incident marks a tragic moment for what is typically a celebration of faith and community gathering.
Key Facts
- A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died after a large wooden sign fell at Wiston Park near Steyning on Friday at approximately 15:38 BST
- At least seven people were injured in the incident, with six patients confirmed on scene by South East Coast Ambulance Service
- The Big Church Festival, founded in 2009 and described as the UK's largest Christian festival, was cancelled after the incident
- Sussex Police, the Health and Safety Executive and local authority are investigating the circumstances of the collapse
- The incident occurred during strong winds, according to later accounts of the event
