Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who was killed when a large wooden sign collapsed at a Christian music festival in West Sussex. The incident occurred on Friday at the Big Church Festival near Steyning, where strong winds are believed to have caused the structure to fall.

The victim, a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was fatally crushed by the falling archway. Six additional individuals sustained injuries, with two reported to be in serious condition. Fred Abbott, a festival attendee and father of four, described hearing a loud crack and bang before assisting others in lifting the heavy structure from those trapped underneath.

The three-day event, established in 2009, is the United Kingdom’s largest Christian music festival, having sold out all 40,000 tickets this year. Following the incident, organizers announced the cancellation of the remaining festival activities, expressing condolences to those affected and acknowledging the community’s grief.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally responded to the fatality with a statement expressing sadness and shock, offering prayers for the deceased’s family and friends, those receiving medical care, healthcare workers, and the festival community as a whole.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh of Sussex Police described the event as tragic and extended sympathies to the victim’s loved ones. Authorities are collaborating with multiple partners to determine the exact factors leading to the collapse, including whether the wooden structure had been adequately secured prior to the wind-related failure. The police have encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist with the investigation.