Man describes horror scenes when sign came 'crashing down' at UK festival which left one dead

A man has told how he has been left 'reeling' after witnessing the tragic incident at the Big Church Festival that left one attendee dead.

Andrew Ollerton has spoken out about being 'just a few paces behind' the 41-year-old man who sadly died at the religious event in West Sussex on Friday (28 August).

He claimed to have watched a sign 'come crashing down' on top of several people before frantically rushing over to help them, while explaining he has been left 'devastated' by the heartbreaking outcome.

Tributes are being paid to the victim, from Eastbourne, who was pronounced dead at the scene on Friday afternoon in wake of the shocking incident.

Organisers of the Big Church Festival said that 'a sign fell' and struck at least seven people, including the 41-year-old who suffered fatal injuries, in a statement shared to social media.

The event was subsequently cancelled in wake of what unfolded and those in attendance were told to 'leave the site' on Friday. It was originally scheduled to continue until Sunday.

Sussex Police are investigating the incident alongside the Health and Safety Executive and local authority.

The force said that the victim's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers in a statement shared on Friday.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said: "This is a tragic incident and 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.

What police have said

"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."

Anyone with information which could help police is asked to report it online or call 101 and quote 'Operation Igloo'.

A man who claims to have watched the sign tumble on top of attendees has now shared his perspective in a video that was shared to Instagram on Saturday morning.

Andrew Ollerton, a theologian, pastor, author and presenter, explained he had been at the event with his wife Charlotte when tragedy struck.

"My wife Charlotte and I were walking just a few paces behind when a huge overhead sign came crashing down on the people in front of us," he stated.

"We rushed with others to lift the sign off them and then administered first aid with others as best we could until the paramedics arrived," Ollerton said. "But tragically, one of those people, we have now heard, lost his life.

"So we're absolutely reeling, devastated, as you can imagine and in a bit of shock as well. I'm sure many others who witnessed it were too."

He explained that like others, he woke up this morning 'full of questions'.

"Particularly 'why' questions," Ollerton went on. "Why did this happen? Why did this happen at a human level, what went wrong? But also, why did God let this happen I suppose is the deeper question that I'm sure you're feeling too, along with many others. Because people were coming to worship him, why would God allow something like this - a tragic accident - to stop a worship event?

"There are no easy answers to why questions. As Christians, we still have questions and we live with mysteries and find a deeper place of trust for things we really don't understand and this is one of them."

His friend and famous outdoorsman Bear Grylls was among those who left a comment under his poignant post, which read: "Am so sorry for everyone x."

Another person said: "Been crying all morning it was awful to witness. Blessed are those who mourn. Very well said."

A third wrote: "A beautiful reflection in the midst of tragedy and trauma beyond words. Praying and sending love to you and Charlotte."

While a fourth added: "Thank you for sharing this so beautifully. Reeling this morning from the shock of the event that unfolded."

In a statement announcing the cancellation of the Big Church Festival, organisers said on Friday: "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.

'We are heartbroken'

"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."

It added: "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."