Billboard Collapse at Christian Festival in Britain Leaves One Dead, Six Injured

A large advertising billboard collapsed on Friday afternoon at the Big Church music festival near the English town of Steyning. Witnesses say a powerful gust of wind toppled the structure, which bore the slogan "Everything's Unmissable." One person was killed and six others were injured in the incident.

One witness told British media that dozens of people rushed to the scene immediately after the billboard fell, trying to lift the structure off those trapped beneath it.

Festival evacuated

Shortly after 5:30 pm, organisers announced on Instagram that the programme was being cancelled and that all attendees were required to leave the site immediately. Police remained on the scene on Friday evening, and residents were urged to stay away from the area.

"This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who died at this incredibly difficult time," said Deputy Chief Constable Richard McDonagh. He also urged anyone with relevant information or footage of the incident to come forward to police.

Festival cancelled entirely

Organisers later announced that the rest of the Big Church 2026 festival, originally scheduled to run through Sunday, had been cancelled in light of the tragedy. "We are devastated by the serious incident that took place today at Big Church Festival 2026, in which an advertising structure fell and injured at least seven people, one of whom sadly died," organisers said in a statement. They stressed that their thoughts were first and foremost with those injured, their loved ones, and everyone who witnessed the tragedy.

The festival had been due to run from 28 to 30 August, with up to 40,000 attendees expected and more than 60 musicians and other performers scheduled to take the stage.

Source: novinky.cz