A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne, East Sussex, has died and at least six other people were injured after a large sign fell at the Big Church festival near Steyning, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred off Washington Road, and police pronounced the man dead at the scene.
Incident details and immediate response
Sussex police confirmed that the man's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. The force said at least six other people were taken to hospital for treatment following the incident.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.” He added that officers remained at the scene on Friday night, with people advised to avoid the area.
Festival cancellation and organisers' statement
In a post on Instagram shortly after 5.30pm, organisers told attendees the show had been cancelled and all day visitors “must leave the site now”. Later, they announced the cancellation of the rest of the festival, which had been scheduled to run until Sunday.
“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 said in an online statement. “First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened. Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church festival 2026 to a close.”
Investigation and appeal for information
Sussex police reported the incident to the Health and Safety Executive and the local authority. McDonagh said: “I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.”
Police are urging anyone with information or relevant video footage to come forward, noting that thousands of people were at the festival. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the cause of the sign's collapse.
