A man died and at least six others were injured when a large sign that read "Everything's Unmissable" collapsed during high winds at the Big Church Festival on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred around 3:38 p.m. at the Wiston Estate near Steyning in West Sussex, a spokesperson for the festival confirmed.
The 41-year-old man from Eastbourne was pronounced dead at the scene. The injured were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Witnesses described hearing a "massive crack and bang" as a strong gust of wind is believed to have toppled the sign. Fred Abbott, who was with his family about 20 meters away, said he and others rushed to help lift the sign off people who were trapped underneath. "There were five people on the floor and not moving," Abbott told the Daily Mail. "I had to walk away because there was a man on the floor and he was bleeding from his head and from his mouth."
The Met Office had issued warnings for windy conditions across the country for the Bank Holiday weekend, with wind speeds recorded up to 27 mph in nearby Shoreham on Friday afternoon. Abbott noted that while it was breezy earlier, the wind intensified significantly.
Big Church Festival, which self-identifies as the UK's largest annual Christian music event, announced the cancellation of the remainder of the festival following the tragedy. "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," organizers said in a 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."
Police are investigating the incident and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant video footage to come forward. Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh stated, "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 authorities are working with partners to establish the exact circumstances of what happened.
The festival, which has been running since 2009, was expected to attract around 40,000 attendees. Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, expressed his concern and stated his thoughts were with those impacted and the responding emergency services.