A 41-year-old man has died and at least six other people have been injured after a large sign collapsed at a Christian festival in West Sussex, police have confirmed. The incident occurred at the Big Church Festival in Wiston Park, near Steyning, on Friday afternoon.

Sussex Police were called to the scene at approximately 15:38 BST. The 41-year-old man, from Eastbourne, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the six injured individuals were taken to hospital for treatment. The festival, which was sold out and in its 2026 edition, was due to continue until Sunday.

Festival organizers announced that the event would be brought to a close following the tragedy. Det Ch Supt Richard McDonagh acknowledged the significant distress caused to attendees and stated that police are working to determine the circumstances of the sign's collapse. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information or video footage to come forward, referencing "Operation Igloo."

The Health and Safety Executive and the local authority have been notified of the incident. Festival organizers expressed their condolences and stated that their immediate priority is the welfare of those affected and assisting attendees in leaving the site safely. Campers were advised to return to their tents while awaiting further updates, though they were also given the option to leave the festival grounds.

Witnesses described the fallen object as a large wooden sign that collapsed near the entrance to a tented area, reportedly falling in the direction of the wind. An air ambulance was seen landing at the site shortly after the incident. Local MP Andrew Griffith noted reports of strong gusts of wind during the afternoon and expressed his thoughts for those impacted.

The Big Church Festival, founded in 2009, bills itself as the UK's largest Christian festival. This year's event began on Friday, attracting thousands of attendees. Police have urged the public to avoid the area due to expected traffic disruption.

This incident raises immediate questions about site safety at large public gatherings and the potential impact of weather conditions on temporary structures. Investigations by Sussex Police and the HSE will likely focus on the integrity of the sign and the protocols in place for managing the festival site.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses, with authorities working to provide support to those affected by the tragic event and to ensure a safe departure for all remaining attendees.