Man dies after large sign falls at Big Church Festival near Steyning

A 41-year-old man has died after a large sign fell and injured a number of people at Big Church Festival near Steyning.

Police were called to the festival site in Washington Road at about 3.38pm on Friday 28 August. The man, from Eastbourne, was confirmed dead at the scene and his next of kin have been informed. At least six other people were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

Big Church Festival organisers have confirmed that the remainder of the event has now been cancelled, explaining on social media that they are devastated by the incident.

Police and partner agencies remain at the scene as they work to establish what happened. Anyone with information or relevant video footage is asked to contact police online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.

A section of the A283 between Washington Roundabout and the B2135 Horsham Road remains temporarily closed to allow emergency services to respond, and the public has been asked to avoid the area where possible.