At least six people injured after sign collapses at Christian festival

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 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. Big Church Festival has been paused today after the serious incident, which left at least six people injured when a sign fell on them (Picture: Eddie Mitchell) 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.’ Although the cause of the incident has not been confirmed, Steyning has endured heavy winds and some rain today, with the Met Office warning of up to 30mph gusts. The ambulance service confirmed that six patients initially were looked after by the crews, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams. 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. Emergency services seen at the festival site today (Picture: X/@999_Enthusiast) ‘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. ⚠️ Big Church Festival Shuttle Bus Service ⚠️❌ Due to a serious incident at the festival, we have been asked to suspend all our shuttle bus services from Shoreham & Steyning to the Site for the rest of today – shuttle buses from site back to Shoreham will continue. ❌1/2— Compass Travel (@compassbus) August 28, 2026 ‘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 family-friendly 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. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. Arrow MORE: Girl, 6, dies in hospital after three family members also drowned at Shoreham Arrow MORE: The ‘Venice of England’ is an enchanting village capturing the South Coast’s beauty News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.