28/08/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/19DavLjdBa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Multiple people have been injured and are being treated in a 'serious incident' at a UK festival.
The Big Church Festival in West Sussex has seen its livestream "temporarily paused" while medical attention is given to visitors this afternoon (August 28).
The incident reportedly saw multiple people injured at around 3:30pm at the festival site in Washington Road.
Sussex Police have now confirmed that a "number of people" have been injured after "reports of a sign having fallen."
South East Coast Ambulance Service has given an update on the incident and said they are currently treating at least six people. Some festivalgoers also reported seeing an air ambulance leave the site.
An email was sent out to all ticketholders telling to urgently return to their accommodation due to a "serious incident". The festival has since been stopped with reports of buses being organised to help people get away from the festival site. It is currently unknown if the festival will reopen tomorrow. The Big Church Festival opened today and was expected to run on Saturday and Sunday.
In a statement, The Big Church Festival said: “We are very sorry to inform you that today’s show has been cancelled due to a serious incident. All day visitors, must leave the site now.
“If you are camping with us, please return to your campsite and await further updates. Campers may leave the site if they wish to do so. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will share further updates as soon as we can.”
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "Emergency services are currently responding to an incident at an event near Steyning. It follows reports of a sign having fallen and injured a number of people at the site in Washington Road.
"Police were called at around 3.38pm and remain at the scene, assisting other emergency services, at this time. As a result, there is likely to be some traffic disruption in the local area, and we would urge the public to seek alternative routes if possible.
"We have no further information at this time, but will provide any updates as soon as we are in a position to do so."