A man died and at least six others were injured after a large sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival near Steyning, West Sussex, on Thursday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the site at approximately 3:30 p.m. following reports of the incident.

The deceased was identified as a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne, East Sussex. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his next of kin have been notified, according to Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh of Sussex Police. Six additional individuals sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Witnesses at the event, which is considered the largest Christian festival in the UK, described how a sudden gust of wind caused a large wooden sign to fall near the entrance to a tented area. One attendee, Theo Saville, said the sign toppled in the direction of the wind before festival staff instructed attendees to return to their tents. An air ambulance was also seen landing at the scene shortly afterward.

In response to the incident, organizers decided to cancel the remainder of the festival. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sign's collapse.