Six people injured by sign at music festival as event placed on lockdown
A sold-out UK festival has been thrown into chaos following a 'serious incident' which saw six people injured by a falling sign in West Sussex.
The Big Church Festival, near Steyning, describes itself as the UK's biggest Christian festival but saw Friday's event cancelled as emergency services attended the scene.
"All day visitors must leave the site now," organisers wrote on social media. "If you are camping with us, please return to your campsite and await further updates.
"Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will share further updates as soon as we can," they added.
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Sussex Police confirmed that they were called at around 3.38pm today (28 August), assisting the other emergency services at the scene.
South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said its crews were called to reports that 'multiple people' needed medical attention.
“Ambulance crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams are currently on scene with six patients confirmed so far,” a Secamb spokesperson said.
“We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.”
The Big Church Festival was due to run this Bank Holiday weekend in West Sussex, and it remains unclear what the plans will be for the rest of the weekend now that this incident has occurred.
The Met Office had issued a warning to festival-goers ahead of the weekend due to the strong winds that were expected, with the Reading and Leeds festivals also set to take place this weekend.
Police added: "Emergency services are currently responding to an incident at an event near Steyning.
"It follows reports of a sign having fallen and injured a number of people at the site in Washington Road.
"Police were called at around 3.38pm and remain at the scene, assisting other emergency services, at this time.
"As a result, there is likely to be some traffic disruption in the local area, and we would urge the public to seek alternative routes if possible.
"We have no further information at this time, but will provide any updates as soon as we are in a position to do so."
According to its UK weather map, wind speeds of up to 27mph were recorded in Shoreham, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon.
A later update from the festival, posted around 6.30pm, stated: "Big Church Festival 2026 has been paused following a serious incident on site, and no further programme will take place today.
"First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been directly impacted by the incident.
"We understand this will be deeply disappointing for the thousands who have joined us at the festival.
"We are working closely with the emergency services and relevant authorities. Further announcements will be made as more information becomes available.
"We are grateful for the understanding, patience, and prayers of our community at this time."
Topics: UK News
James Moorhouse