A 41-year-old man died and at least six others were injured after a large sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex on Friday afternoon. Sussex Police responded to reports of the incident at Wiston Park near Steyning at approximately 3:38 PM BST. The man, from Eastbourne, was pronounced dead at the scene, and six others were taken to hospitals for treatment. Organizers immediately cancelled the remainder of the festival, which had been sold out and was scheduled to run through Sunday, and urged attendees to leave the site.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh stated that police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the collapse and appealed for anyone with information or video footage to come forward, quoting Operation Igloo. The Health and Safety Executive and local authorities have been informed. South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed they were treating multiple patients at the scene.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one festival-goer reporting that the sign, described as large and wooden, fell in the direction of the wind near a tented area. Another reported seeing ambulances and a helicopter land. The festival’s live stream on GOD TV was abruptly cut. Traffic disruption is expected in the area.
The Big Church Festival, founded in 2009 and described as the UK’s largest Christian festival, draws up to 40,000 attendees. While the cause of the collapse remains under investigation, strong gusts of wind were reported in the area earlier on Friday, according to MP Andrew Griffith. Organizers expressed their devastation and prioritized the wellbeing of those affected and safe departure from the site.
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