One person has died, and six others have been injured after a large sign collapsed at a Christian festival in West Sussex, England.
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Authorities identified the victim as a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne. The incident occurred at around 3:38 p.m. local time on Friday at the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park, near Steyning.
Following the tragedy, organizers immediately brought the festival to a close.
Festival Death Prompts Police Investigation
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh confirmed that police have launched an investigation to determine exactly what happened at the festival site.
McDonagh said that he recognized the "immense distress this will have caused people at the festival".
"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 statement reads.
Police also confirmed that they have informed the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the local authority about the incident.
Big Church Festival describes itself as the UK's biggest Christian festival.
Founded in 2009, the three-day event was scheduled to begin on Friday and continue through Sunday.
Organizers had completely sold out the 2026 edition before the tragedy brought the festival to an early end.
Witness Describes Moment Large Sign Collapsed
Festivalgoer Theo Saville, who witnessed the incident, said that a "large wooden sign" had collapsed near the entrance to a tented area.
"The sign fell in the direction of the wind," Saville added.
"Soon after we were told to return to tents, and an air ambulance landed."
Festival organizers urged all day visitors to leave the site immediately following the incident.
"If you are camping with us, please return to your campsite and await further updates," they said.
Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said that he was "concerned to hear reports of casualties at the Big Church festival at Wiston."
"There have certainly been strong gusts of wind during the course of this afternoon locally.
"My thoughts are with all of those impacted at this time and those responding to the incident."
