Organisers of a Christian festival in West Sussex said they are ‘devastated and heartbroken’ after a sign fell at the event, injuring seven people, with one man dying at the scene.

Sussex Police said officers were called, about 3.40pm on Friday (August 28), to reports that a 'large sign had fallen and injured a number of people', at the Big Church Festival, in Washington Road, Steyning.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers responded to the scene in support of emergency service colleagues. Tragically, it was confirmed a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and supported by specialist officers.”

In a public statement on the Big Church Festival’s website, posted on Friday night, organisers said: “We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026 today, in which a sign fell, injuring at least seven people, one of whom tragically lost their life.

“First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened.

“Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close.

“We are working with the emergency services, police and the Health and Safety Executive as they establish the circumstances surrounding today’s incident. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded, and to our teams and community for the care they have shown one another.

“Big Church Festival is about bringing people together. Tonight, that community is grieving. Right now, our focus is on those directly affected by what happened today. We are heartbroken.”

Ambulances joined the emergency response at the Christian festival, near Steyning. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

placeholder image — Ambulances joined the emergency response at the Christian festival, near Steyning. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

The Archbishop of Canterbury expressed her sadness and shock on Saturday (August 29).

On X (formerly Twitter), she said: “I am sad and shocked to hear that a man has died at the Big Church Festival, and that others have been injured. I pray for his family, friends and loved ones as they grieve. I pray for those receiving treatment, and the healthcare workers looking after them.

“ And I pray too for the other festival-goers, staff and event organisers as they come to terms with these tragic events.

“May the God of comfort and healing be with them all.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said this was a 'tragic incident'.

He added: “Our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“At least six other people were also injured during this incident and have been taken to hospital for treatment.

“I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.

“We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we’re urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to please come forward. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.”

A section of the A283 was temporarily closed between Washington Roundabout and the B2135 Horsham Road, to 'allow emergency services to respond', police said.

Emergency teams remained at the scene, on Friday night, and police urged the public to 'avoid the area wherever possible'.

They added: “We thank you for your patience and understanding, and we will provide any further updates on this channel as soon as we are in a position to do so.

“The Health and Safety Executive and local authority have been informed.”

The Big Church Festival has announced the event will be paused and no further programme will take place today. You can keep track of any further updates on their page here: https://www.facebook.com/bigchurchfest/?locale=en_GB