Six people were injured when a sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, prompting emergency services to place the site on lockdown on Friday, August 28. The incident occurred shortly after 3.30pm at Wiston Park, Steyning, with ambulance crews and an air ambulance responding to the scene.
Emergency response and casualties
South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that six patients were receiving treatment from paramedics, with critical care paramedics and specialist response teams also in attendance. An air ambulance was observed hovering above the location, according to reports from the scene.
A journalist from Premier Christian News told the publication that attendees were prevented from entering or leaving the site following the incident. They stated: "We've been told that the site is on lockdown, with people not allowed to get in or out."
Police statement and traffic disruption
Sussex Police reported that officers were called at around 3.38pm to the event near Steyning, following reports of a sign having fallen and injured a number of people at the site in Washington Road. The police remain at the scene assisting other emergency services.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Emergency services are currently responding to an incident at an event near Steyning. It follows reports of a sign having fallen and injured a number of people at the site in Washington Road. Police were called at around 3.38pm and remain at the scene, assisting other emergency services, at this time. As a result, there is likely to be some traffic disruption in the local area, and we would urge the public to seek alternative routes if possible."
Ambulance service confirmation and ongoing updates
South East Coast Ambulance Service verified its attendance at the Wiston Park venue. A spokesman commented: "South East Coast Ambulance Service was called to reports of multiple people in need of medical attention at Wiston Park, Steyning shortly after 15.30hrs today (Friday, 28 August 2026). Ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams are currently on scene with six patients confirmed so far. We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible."
The police also indicated they have no further information at this time but will provide updates as soon as they are in a position to do so. The site remains under lockdown, and local traffic disruption is expected as emergency services continue their response.
