UK’s biggest Christian festival
According to its website, Big Church Festival was founded in 2009 and is the UK’s biggest Christian festival.
Incident reported to government agency
Officers remained at the scene on Friday night as police continued to urge people to avoid the area.
The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and local authority, Sussex Police confirmed.
Big Church Festival cancelled
In a post on Instagram shortly after 5.30pm, organisers told attendees that Friday’s show had been cancelled and all day visitors “must leave the site now”.
Later, organisers said they had decided to cancel the rest of the festival, which had been scheduled to run until Sunday.
“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,” a Big Church Festival spokesperson said in a statement on social media.
“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.”
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Witness urged to come forward
Sussex Police have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.
Sussex Police statement
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.
“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.”
A283 does not appear to be closed anymore
Both Google Maps and AA Roadwatch live traffic data indicate the A283 is no longer closed.
However, the AA service still expects disruption on the A283 due to the festival.
Although the festival has been cancelled, campers still have until 12noon on Saturday to leave – so there could still be traffic on the A283 as they do so.
The A283 is no longer closed (Image: AA RoadWatch)
Police statement in full – witnesses urged to come forward
Here is a reminder of the full police statement which confirmed a man had died in the incident.
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.
“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. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.”
Refund information to be issued in due course
Organisers have said those camping at the festival need to leave site by 12 noon on Saturday (August 29) ‘out of respect for those affected by the incident’.
They add ticketholders will be contacted about potential refunds once ‘more information is available’.
Road remains closed after ‘avoid the area’ warning issued
The A283 remains closed near Wiston House, according to live traffic data.
Earlier, Sussex police said it had shut the A-road down “to allow emergency services to respond”.
A spokesperson added: “Police and partners remain at the scene at this time, and we woould urge the public to avoid the area wherever possible.”
Health and Safety Executive informed
Sussex Police say the Health and Safety Executive and local authority have been informed.
Police remain at scene as public urged to ‘avoid the area’
Police say they remain at the scene this evening and are urging the public to avoid the area wherever possible.
A section of the A283 was temporarily closed between Washington Roundabout and the B2135 Horsham Road to allow emergency services to respond to the fatal incident earlier today.
Big Church Festival 2026 cancelled following fatal incident
The event organisers says Big Church Festival 2026 cancelled following the fatal incident.
A spokesperson said: “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.
“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.
“For all future updates, please visit our website.”