- A large sign fell at the Big Church Festival, killing a man and injuring multiple people.
- A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesman said six patients were treated at the scene, with four taken to local hospitals, including two with more serious injuries and two with less serious injuries.
- The Archbishop of Canterbury said she was 'sad and shocked' and prayed for the man's family, those receiving treatment, healthcare workers, and other festival goers, stating, 'May the God of comfort and healing be with them all.'
- ParentFuel, a Christian parent support organisation, said its attendees were 'all devastated but safe' and praised the BCF team, adding, 'What happened was awful. It was a freak accident. But God is still good.'
- The Archbishop prayed for the man's family, those receiving treatment, healthcare workers, and other festival goers, saying, 'I pray for his family, friends and loved ones as they grieve.'
The Archbishop of Canterbury expressed his sorrow after a tragic incident at the Big Church Festival in Steyning, where a large sign fell, resulting in the death of a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne.135
The festival, known as the UK’s largest Christian gathering, was abruptly canceled following the incident, which occurred on its opening day.
Six individuals were treated for injuries, with four hospitalized, including two with serious injuries. A spokesperson from the South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that all patients were assessed at the scene.2
The Archbishop stated, “I pray for those receiving treatment, and the healthcare workers looking after them. May the God of comfort and healing be with them all.”
Organizers expressed their devastation over the incident, labeling it a “freak accident.” ParentFuel, a Christian support organization, noted that attendees were “all devastated but safe.”4
The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities, with Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh acknowledging the distress caused to festival-goers and stating that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police and quote Operation Igloo.
“South East Coast Ambulance Service said six patients were assessed at the scene, with four taken to local hospitals—two with more serious injuries and two with less serious ones. ParentFuel, a Christian parent support group, said its attendees were 'all devastated but safe' and called the incident 'a freak accident.'”
The Independent
