At least six people injured after sign collapses at Christian festival

Several people have been hurt by a falling sign at a Christian festival in West Sussex today.

The Big Church Festival, a Christian event in Wiston Park, Steyning, was ordered into lockdown today after the serious incident, which left punters injured.

The emergency services were alerted to the site at about 3.38pm, with critical care paramedics sent to the festival grounds.

The organisers confirmed on social media that the 2026 edition of the festival has been paused. No further shows will take place today, they said.

An email shared by a guest, purporting to be from the organisers, urged all campers to return to their accommodation and shows were ordered to stop ‘due to a serious incident on site.’

Big Church Festival said: ‘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.’

The police said: ‘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.’

Shuttle buses from Shoreham and Steyning to the festival site have been suspended today, but buses will run from the festival back to Shoreham, the bus operator said.

Big Church Festival is an annual music and worship gathering, which is run not for profit.

The festival line-up takes place between Friday and Sunday, and today was meant to be the main event.

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