Man dies after stage panel collapses at Christian festival in West Sussex

Tragedy struck a Christian festival in West Sussex when a large stage panel collapsed, resulting in the death of a 41-year-old man and injuring at least six others. The incident occurred Friday afternoon at the Big Church Festival, located near Steyning.

The victim, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was declared dead at the scene. His family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers, according to Sussex Police. At least six other individuals were transported to a local hospital for medical attention.

“

This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the man's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

"This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the man's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time," said DCS Richard McDonagh. Police are appealing for anyone with information or relevant video footage to come forward.

“

We are devastated by the serious incident that occurred today at the Big Church Festival 2026, where a stage panel collapsed, tragically killing one person and injuring at least seven.

Organizers initially announced the cancellation of the day's remaining events and instructed single-day attendees to leave the area. Subsequently, they decided to cancel the rest of the festival, which was scheduled to continue until Sunday. "We are devastated by the serious incident that occurred today at the Big Church Festival 2026, where a stage panel collapsed, tragically killing one person and injuring at least seven," the festival representatives stated in an online release.

Authorities, including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the local authority, have been notified. Police remained at the scene Friday evening, advising the public to avoid the area. "We understand the profound distress this incident has caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened," McDonagh added. "We know thousands of people were at the festival, and we urge anyone with information or relevant video footage to contact the police."

“

We understand the profound distress this incident has caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.