A HERO has revealed how he rushed to lift a huge sign off of injured revellers after it came “crashing down” at a UK music festival, killing a man.
The tragedy unfolded at Big Church Festival in Wiston Estate, West Sussex after a big sign toppled onto a crowd at 3.30pm.
The festival has now been cancelled Credit: Eddie Mitchell
Ollerton was due to speak at the festival, The Jattvibe understands Credit: andyollerton/Instagram
The Christian festival – which was due to run from August 28 to 30 – has now sadly been cancelled.
Author Andrew Ollerton was due to appear at the festival to make a speech, The Jattvibe understands.
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He has since shared a post to Instagram detailing the harrowing events, and offering condolences to the families of the injured festivalgoers.
Ollerton said: “With a heavy heart I’m reflecting on our personal experience of the tragic incident at Big Church Festival yesterday.
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Ambulances rushed to the scene following the tragedy Credit: Eddie Mitchell
A sign fell over and crushed a man tragically killing him Credit: Eddie Mitchell
“I want to thank the incredible team @bigchurchfest who took decisive action in difficult circumstances as well as all the festival goers who stayed calm and handled the news so respectfully.
“I’m sure like me it leaves you feeling perplexed by many questions. In Luke chapter 13 Jesus brings both honest challenge and deep comfort to those facing a similar tragedy in his day.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.”
Ambulances and police were scrambled to the festival yesterday evening after they were alerted to a “serious incident.”
Concern were initially raised when the festival’s live stream, called GOD TV, was cut, with one witness on social media saying: “A large metal support beam fell on a crowd of people leaving multiple people critically injured.“
Seven patients were treated at the scene after a large sign fell down with the Met Office earlier warning festivalgoers of the windy conditions.
One festivalgoer from Eastbourne sadly died at the scene – his next of kin have been informed of his passing.
The main stage area was left eerily empty after scores of ambulances arrived at the field and campers were told to go back to their tents.
One festival goer said: “We were in the worship tent and decided to leave to go to the main tent. There was a helicopter landing outside.
“From what I’ve gathered the worship tent sign has blown over and landed on a few people.”
Police blocked off the road leading up to the festival entrance Credit: Eddie Mitchell
Day trippers were spotted leaving the festival early due to the incident Credit: Eddie Mitchell
A safety announcement was shown on a big screen at the main stage which read: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, the show has been stopped.
“Any campers please head back to the campsite immediately. Any non-campers please remain in the main arena.”
The festival was put on lock down and day trippers were seen leaving the festival as officials stopped the shows for the rest of the day.
Following the tragedy, Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“At least six other people were also injured during this incident and have been taken to hospital for treatment.
“I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.
“We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we’re urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to please come forward.”
A spokesperson for the festival said: “We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026 today, in which a sign fell, injuring at least seven people, one of whom tragically lost their life.
“First and foremost, all our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened.
“Following today’s incident, we have made the decision to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close.”
A section of the A283 was temporarily closed between Washington Roundabout and the B2135 Horsham Road, as the chaotic scenes unfolded.
The Health and Safety Executive and local authority have been informed of the incident.
The annual non-profit Christian music and worship festival has been running since 2009 and has previously accomodated 40,000 attendees.
