A Christian festival in West Sussex, UK, was canceled after a large banner fell, killing a 41-year-old man and injuring at least six other people.
The incident happened at the Big Church Festival in Wiston Park, near Steyning, on Friday afternoon. Sussex Police said they were called at around 15:38 BST after receiving reports that a large sign had fallen and injured several people.
The man, who was from Eastbourne in East Sussex, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and has the support of specialized agents. At least six other people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Festival organizers said they were “devastated” by the incident and expressed solidarity with those affected, their families and friends, and people who witnessed what happened.
“Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to end the Big Church Festival 2026,” organizers said.
The festival had started on Friday and was scheduled to continue through Sunday, but attendees were told to leave after the incident. Its organizers describe the event as the largest Christian festival in the United Kingdom.
Police officers remained at the scene as investigations continued. The Health and Safety Executive and the local authority have also been informed.
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Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh described the incident as tragic and urged anyone with information or relevant video footage to contact police.
“We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we urge anyone with any information or any relevant video to come forward,” he said.
A section of the A283 was temporarily closed to allow emergency services to respond to the incident.
Authorities are now working with partner agencies to establish exactly what caused the sign to fall.
(BBC News)
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