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Big Church Festival cancelled after fatal sign collapse in England
A fatal accident occurred at the Big Church Festival in Wiston Park, near Steyning, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon. A large wooden sign collapsed, reportedly due to strong winds, striking several attendees.
A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne was pronounced dead at the scene. At least six other people were injured and transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. Emergency services, including critical care paramedics and an air ambulance, responded to the site.
Following the incident, festival organisers made the decision to cancel the remainder of the event, which was scheduled to run until Sunday. Attendees were instructed to leave the site safely. Sussex Police and the Health and Safety Executive have launched a joint investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the collapse and whether safety regulations were breached. Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh has requested that anyone with relevant video footage or information come forward to assist the investigation.
Entities
Big Church Festival · Health and Safety Executive · Richard McDonagh · South East Coast Ambulance Service · Sussex Police · West Sussex · Wiston Estate · Wiston Park
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A large wooden sign collapsed near a tent entrance, possibly due to strong winds. www.todoalicante.es · www.origo.hu
- [● 14 SOURCES] A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died at the scene after being hit by a falling sign. www.mojkraj.hr · www.todoalicante.es · www.origo.hu · astepfwd.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] The Big Church Festival 2026 was cancelled following the incident. www.mojkraj.hr · www.todoalicante.es · www.origo.hu · astepfwd.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · +9 more
- [● 14 SOURCES] At least six other people were injured and taken to hospital. www.mojkraj.hr · www.todoalicante.es · www.origo.hu · astepfwd.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · +9 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities for investigation. www.mojkraj.hr · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · adevarul.ro · www.theguardian.com