On Friday (Aug. 28), the first day of Big Church Festival in West Sussex commenced. However, the festival ended early after a large sign fell, leaving one dead and six injured.
Britain's largest Christian music festival transpired at Wiston Park, where the three-day event was slated to continue through Sunday. Bigger names on the lineup included Lauren Daigle, CeCe Winans, and Lecrae. On Instagram, Big Church Festival shared a series of statements, the first one saying, "We are very sorry to inform you that today's show has been cancelled due to a serious incident." The third announced that they "made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close."
The man who died at the scene was aged 41 and from Eastbourne, East Sussex, according to Sussex Police. 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."
