Who Was the Man Killed at Big Church Festival? 41-Year-Old Dies After Sign Falls at Sussex Event

A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne was killed when a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex on Friday afternoon, Aug. 28, leaving at least six other people injured and forcing organizers to cancel the remainder of the event.

Sussex Police said officers were called to the festival site at Wiston Park, near Steyning, at about 3:38 p.m. BST after reports that a large sign had fallen and injured several people.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

His next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.

Who Was the Man Killed at Big Church Festival?

Authorities have not publicly released the man’s name or other personal details as of Aug. 29. Sussex Police has confirmed only that he was 41 and from Eastbourne.

At least six other people were taken to the hospital for treatment, according to Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh.

Police have not provided a more detailed public breakdown of their injuries.

“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” McDonagh said.

What Happened at Big Church Festival?

The incident occurred during the first full day of the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park.

Police said a large sign fell and struck people at the site, but investigators have not yet established exactly why the structure collapsed.

The incident prompted a major emergency response, with police and other emergency-service teams attending the festival grounds.

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

Reports have also noted strong winds in the area.

Sky News reported that winds of up to 27 mph were recorded in nearby Shoreham on Friday, but police have not said that wind caused the sign to fall, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Big Church Festival Cancelled After Fatal Incident

Organizers initially paused Friday’s program as emergency services dealt with the incident.

The festival later announced that the entire 2026 event had been brought to a close, meaning planned programming through Sunday would not continue.

In a statement, Big Church Festival organizers said they were “devastated” by the incident and said their thoughts were with those affected, their families and friends, and people who witnessed what happened.

The festival had been scheduled to run through Sunday, Aug. 30. Its official schedule listed Friday, Aug. 28, as the main opening day of the event.

Police Investigation Underway

Sussex Police said officers and partner agencies remained at the scene while investigators worked to determine what happened.

The Health and Safety Executive and the local authority have also been informed, adding a workplace and public-safety dimension to the investigation.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video footage to come forward under Operation Igloo.

Investigators are particularly seeking material that could help establish the circumstances surrounding the sign’s collapse.

Authorities have not yet assigned blame or announced any findings.

Big Church Festival, which organizers describe as the UK’s biggest Christian festival, was founded in 2009. Thousands of people were attending this year’s event when the incident occurred.