A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne was killed and six others injured after a large sign fell onto a crowd at the Big Church Festival near Steyning, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred during the UK’s largest Christian festival, which draws thousands of attendees each year.
The sign, bearing the phrase “Everything’s Unmissable,” was reportedly toppled by a strong gust of wind near a performance area called Tom’s Stage in the Field of Fun. Witnesses described hearing a loud crack and bang before rushing to help those affected. Fred Abbott, a festival-goer from Morden, south London, recounted that around 30 to 50 people assisted in lifting the fallen wooden sign off the injured.
Festival organizers expressed their devastation following the accident and confirmed that emergency services responded promptly. The man who died was identified as a member of the festival’s audience, while the six injured individuals were taken to hospital for treatment. Their current condition has not been publicly disclosed.
The Big Church Festival, held annually in the West Sussex countryside, is known for its large-scale gatherings of Christian music enthusiasts and families. Organizers said they are cooperating fully with authorities investigating the incident and are reviewing safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The precise circumstances leading to the sign’s collapse remain under investigation. Officials have noted the potential role of weather conditions, including sudden gusts of wind, which are common in the region. The festival, which attracts tens of thousands of participants, typically employs extensive infrastructure to secure stages and signage, but the unexpected event has raised questions about risk management in outdoor venues.
No further details about the injured have been released, and no additional statements from emergency personnel were immediately available. The festival is expected to continue following safety assessments, though organizers have not yet issued an update on scheduling.