A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne has died and at least six other people were injured after a large sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex. Sussex Police reported that they were called to the event at Wiston Park, near Steyning, at approximately 15:38 BST on Friday.
Following the incident, the festival organisers said that the festival would be brought to a close. Thousands of attendees were present at the time of the collapse. Festival organizers instructed all day visitors to leave the site immediately, while campers were told to return to their designated areas and await further updates, though they were also given the option to depart if they preferred.
Det Ch Supt Richard McDonagh expressed his recognition of the "immense distress this will have caused people at the festival" and confirmed that police are currently working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident on Washington Road. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the local authority have been notified of the event. Authorities have launched an investigation under the name Operation Igloo and are urging anyone with relevant video footage or information to contact the police online or by calling 101.
Theo Saville, an attendee at the festival, reported that a "large wooden sign" had collapsed near the entrance to a tented area. He noted that the sign appeared to fall in the direction of the wind, and shortly after the incident occurred, attendees were instructed to return to their tents. "Soon after we were told to return to tents, and an air ambulance landed."
Andrew Griffith, the MP for Arundel and South Downs, stated that he was concerned to hear reports of casualties and acknowledged that there had been strong gusts of wind in the local area during the afternoon. The Diocese of Chichester also issued a statement, saying, "We pray for all involved in this accident and those responding."
Festival organizers stated that their thoughts are with those affected, noting that their primary focus remains on the wellbeing of the individuals involved and ensuring that everyone can leave the festival site safely. Sussex Police have warned that traffic disruption is expected in the vicinity and have urged the public to avoid the area. The Big Church Festival, which describes itself as the largest Christian festival in the UK, was founded in 2009 and this year's sold-out edition was scheduled to run until Sunday.
