A man has died and at least six people have been injured after a Big Church Festival sign death incident in which a sign fell on visitors at Wiston Park near Steyning, West Sussex, according to The Independent.
The man who died was 41 years old and from Eastbourne in East Sussex, the BBC reported. Four of the six injured were taken to local hospitals for further treatment, with two of those sustaining serious injuries.
Big Church Festival sign death prompts immediate evacuation
Sussex Police said officers were called at around 3.38pm after reports that a sign had fallen and injured several people at the venue off Washington Road. A force spokesperson said crews were deployed and remained on scene, assisting other emergency services.
South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said its crews attended after 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.’
Shortly after 5.30pm, event organisers posted on Instagram to announce that Friday’s entertainment had been cancelled. All day visitors were instructed to leave the site immediately. Campers were told to return to their campsites and await further updates, though they were given the option to leave if they wished.
Festival cancelled as organisers apologise to attendees
Big Church Festival issued a statement: ‘We are very sorry to inform you that today’s show has been cancelled due to a serious incident. All day visitors must leave the site now. If you are camping with us, please return to your campsite and await further updates. Campers may leave the site if they wish to do so. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will share further updates as soon as we can.’
The festival had begun on Friday and was scheduled to run until Sunday. Acts including Lauren Daigle, CeCe Winans, Bethel Music and Elevation Rhythm had been due to perform across the weekend.
According to its website, Big Church Festival was founded in 2009 and is described as the UK’s biggest Christian festival.
The Met Office had urged festivalgoers to prepare for windy conditions over the bank holiday weekend. Wind speeds of up to 27mph were recorded in Shoreham, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon, according to its UK weather map.
Sussex Police, Secamb and festival organisers have all said they will provide further updates. Investigations into the Big Church Festival sign death are ongoing.
