Six people were injured on Friday afternoon when a large sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival, held at Wiston Park near Steyning. Emergency services, including ambulance crews, critical care paramedics, and specialist response teams, were dispatched to the site off Washington Road shortly after 15:30 BST.
Witness Theo Saville reported that a large wooden structure had fallen near the entrance to a tented area, appearing to be pushed by strong winds. An air ambulance was seen landing at the scene as authorities responded to the incident.
Event Status and Official Response
- Current Status: The festival has been paused, with no further programming scheduled for Friday.
- Visitor Instructions: Day visitors were ordered to leave the site immediately, while campers were advised to return to their tents and await further updates.
- Traffic Impact: Sussex Police have warned of expected congestion in the area and are urging the public to utilize alternative routes.
- Official Statement: Organisers expressed that their primary focus remains on those impacted, stating they are working closely with emergency services and authorities.
Andrew Griffith, the MP for Arundel and South Downs, acknowledged the reports of casualties and noted the presence of strong wind gusts in the area throughout the afternoon. He extended his thoughts to those affected and the emergency responders on the ground. The Diocese of Chichester also issued a statement offering prayers for the injured and the responding teams.
Founded in 2009, the Big Church Festival is billed as the largest Christian music event in the UK. This year’s sold-out edition began on Friday and was originally scheduled to continue through Sunday. Organisers have stated they are grateful for the patience and prayers of the community as they manage the aftermath of the incident. The report also notes that we understand this will be deeply disappointing for the thousands who have joined us at the festival. The report also notes that the sign fell in the direction of the wind,” he told. The report also notes that there have certainly been strong gusts of wind during the course of this afternoon locally. The report also notes that organisers earlier wrote on social media that “all day visitors must leave the site now. The report also notes that please return to your campsite and await further updates,” they added, if you are camping with us. The report also notes that officers said they were called to the site off Washington Road at about 15:40 and remained at the scene. The report also notes that the Big Church Festival – which describes itself as the UK’s biggest Christian festival – was founded in 2009.
