What is the Big Church Festival?

Big Church Festival (previously called "Big Church Day Out") is a large Christian music and worship festival which takes place annually. It is the largest Christian festival in the UK. In 2025, 35,000 attended with tickets completely selling out.

When is it taking place?

Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug 2026 (August Bank Holiday Weekend)

Why Attend?

BCF provides the opportunity to worship with thousands of other believers and encounter new worship artists and styles. A foretaste of heaven! The 3-day event is designed so that families can attend together. There are tents specially for children, and a supervised children and youth programmes in the mornings. Attending as an EEC group allows us to strengthen our friendships by spending quality time together. In the mornings, we will meet and pray together as a group before the daily adult programme begins at midday. Being outdoors in the beautiful Wiston Estate in the South Downs will be a refreshing experience taking us away from our usual daily routine. Camping and sleeping under the stars will be an amazing experience. But those who prefer can find overnight accommodation in nearby towns.

When can I arrive / leave?

Car park opens: 10.30am Thursday 27 August 2026
Campsite closes: midday Monday 31 August 2026
Festival runs: Friday, Saturday, Sunday (main programme is midday to 10.30pm, followed by after hours events for those staying on site)

Where is it being held?

Wiston Estate, West Sussex

Which worship artists are attending?

Confirmed artists for 2026 include:
https://bigchurchfestival.com/lineup/

How much does it cost?

The baseline adult group ticket for the whole event is £120 per person. This EXCLUDES camping or other accommodation, and car parking, which are additional - see below.
Further group discounts, up to a maximum of £30 per person, are offered depending on the final group size achieved at 30 June 2026, when your payment then will be taken.
A £20 discount is available for those who are financially challenged (no proof needed) and there is an option to pay £20 more to “support” someone who needs this discount.
Under 1: Free, Under 4: £10, Child (up to year 6): £65, Youth (year 7 and to year 12): £75.
Family tickets available.

When are the supervised children and youth programmes and what is the cost?

The supervised sessions run from 9.30am to midday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Tickets cost £30 per child/youth for whole event (3 days)

How much does it cost to camp?

The cost is £30 per person for the whole festival (i.e. two people sharing a tent costs £60").
The cheapest option is to buy and bring your own 2 person "festival tent", which start at just £20.
There are “rent a tent” and “Glamping” options available (starting at £255 for basic 2 person tent).

Can I bring a caravan or campervan?

Yes. A Caravan/campervan pitch costs £70 without electric hookup, and £160 with electric hookup.
Please note that you still need to buy a weekend ticket for each person attending.

How do I book?

Please use this link:

https://bigchurch.group/2026/emmanuel-evangelical-church

Please select your ticket and camping options and enter your card details.  Your card will be are charged on 30 Jun 2026. Please note that payment is direct to BCF. Emmanuel is not involved in taking payments.

What is the booking deadline?

The group discount becomes fixed on 30 Jun 2026 and depends on the size of party at that date. You can continue to book after this date (subject to availability), but the group discount does not increase further after this date.

Are refunds permitted?

Refunds are only permitted in very exceptional circumstances such as death or terminal illness. Please see BCF T&Cs linked below for further information.

What are the camp site arrangements?

The site is large and groups can find space to pitch tents together. Where the group size exceeds 100 people, an area of the camp site can be reserved by the organisers. Those selecting “rent a tent” or “glamping” would be camping in a different area. We will communicate our group location in advance to those attending.

How do I get there?

Nearest station: Shoreham-by-Sea
Trains from Victoria take approx 80 minutes
Shuttle buses available from station to site (Adult £4 single)
Drive time: Approximately 2 hours from EE/EW
Parking at site: £15 per car for the entire festival, and you can come and go if staying offsite.

What other accommodation options are available?

Steyning village and Shoreham-by-Sea are nearby and serviced by the festival shuttle bus. Other nearby major towns include Worthing (20mins drive) and Brighton (30mins drive). Please note that those staying offsite do not have access to “out of hours” events after 10.30pm, such as “Late Night Live” and “The Campfire”.

What about food, water and toilets?

Food and drink available for purchase (food stands, burger vans etc) at £10 to £15 per meal. You can bring your own food and gas stove. Toilets, showers, drinking water freely available (although you will need to queue at peek hours).

Is there mobile signal or WiFi?

There is no WiFi and almost no mobile signal, offering an opportunity for a full “digital detox”! We will communicate a programme in advance - i.e. when and where to meet.

What are the full Terms and Conditions?

Please note that everyone is bound by the T&Cs of the organisers which are available here:
https://bigchurchfestival.com/terms-and-conditions/

What do I do if I have further questions?

Please consult the BCF FAQ which has answers to many common questions.
https://bigchurchfestival.com/helpful-info/faq/

You can also email admin@emmanuelchurch.org.uk