At least six people were injured when a sign fell at the Big Church Festival in Wiston Park, Steyning, West Sussex, on August 28, 2026. The incident prompted an immediate lockdown of the event and the suspension of all scheduled programming for the day.
Emergency Response and Lockdown
Emergency services were alerted to the site at approximately 3:38pm, with critical care paramedics dispatched to the festival grounds. Police confirmed they were called to the scene on Washington Road following reports of a sign having fallen and injured multiple people.
The festival organisers issued a statement on social media announcing that the 2026 edition of the event had been paused. An email shared by a guest, purportedly from the organisers, urged all campers to return to their accommodation and stated that shows were ordered to stop 'due to a serious incident on site.'
Official Statements and Impact
In a statement, Big Church Festival said: 'Big Church Festival 2026 has been paused following a serious incident on site, and no further programme will take place today. First and foremost, our 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. 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.'
Sussex Police added: '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. We have no further information at this time, but will provide any updates as soon as we are in a position to do so.'
Ongoing Situation
The festival, which attracts thousands of attendees, has been halted for the remainder of the day. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area due to traffic disruption and are continuing to investigate the incident. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
