Big Church Festival Tragedy: 41‑Year‑Old Man Killed as Sign Falls During High Winds

Six others were taken to hospital as thousands witnessed scenes far removed from the weekend of faith and celebration they expected.

What was meant to be a Bank Holiday weekend of faith, music and togetherness ended in tragedy after a 41-year-old man died when a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex. Emergency services were called to the festival site near Steyning at around 3.38pm on Friday after reports that the structure had fallen and injured several people. The man, who was from Eastbourne, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

At least six other people were injured and taken to hospital, as thousands attending the Christian festival were confronted with scenes no one arriving for a weekend of worship and celebration could have imagined. The remainder of the festival, which had been scheduled to continue until Sunday, has now been cancelled. Organisers said they were devastated by what had happened, with their thoughts focused on those affected, their families and those who witnessed the incident.

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Questions will inevitably follow about how such a tragedy was able to unfold, but authorities have not yet established the precise circumstances surrounding the sign's collapse. The incident occurred during unsettled weather, with strong winds reported in the region, but investigators will now have to determine exactly what happened rather than draw conclusions prematurely. Sussex Police are working alongside partner agencies, while the Health and Safety Executive and local authority have also been informed.

Behind the emergency response and investigation is the devastating reality that a man left home for a festival and never returned. A weekend intended to bring thousands of people together in faith has instead become one marked by grief. For his family and friends, and for those injured or who witnessed the tragedy unfold, the impact will reach far beyond the festival grounds. Police are appealing for anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward as they work to establish exactly what happened.