Sign Falls at Festival, Killing One and Sparking Safety Probe

A 41-year-old man died and six people were hospitalised when a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex on 28 August 2026. Police asked the Health and Safety Executive — a government body that checks whether public events are safe — and the local council to investigate. Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh urged witnesses to come forward. The festival's remaining events were cancelled.