Big Church Festival 2026: Man, 41, killed, six injured after large sign topples over and crushes crowd

A man has been killed and six other people injured after a large sign toppled over and crushed festival-goers in England.

Emergency services raced to Big Church Festival in Wiston Estate, West Sussex on Friday about 3.30pm local time after reports of a “serious incident”, BBC reports.

First respondents arrived to find seven people had been hit by a sign that had fallen onto the crowd.

One of those festival-goers, a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne, tragically died at the scene from his injuries.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh offered his condolences to the deceased man’s family.

“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” he said, as cited by The Sun.

Detective McDonagh said at least half a dozen who were hurt in the incident had been raced to hospital.

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

“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.”

In a statement, cited by the outlet, the festival confirmed the event, which was due to run from August 28 to 30, had been cancelled in the wake of the fatality.

“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 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.”