A tragic incident at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, United Kingdom, has left one person dead and at least six others injured after a large sign fell onto festivalgoers.
The incident happened on Friday, August 28, at Wiston Park near Steyning, where thousands of people had gathered for the annual Christian music and worship festival. Sussex Police said officers were called at about 3:38 p.m. following reports that a large sign had fallen and injured several people. A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne was pronounced dead at the scene.
Pastor Robert Guanco Identified as the Man Who Died
The man who lost his life has since been identified as Pastor Robert Guanco, 41, of Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne.
His church paid tribute to him following the tragedy, remembering him as a pastor who was deeply loved by his congregation. His death has added a particularly painful dimension to the incident for the Christian community, as Guanco had attended the festival alongside thousands of other worshippers and festivalgoers.
His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist police officers.
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Six Others Injured
At least six other people were injured when the structure fell. According to Sussex Police, those injured were taken to hospital for treatment. The South East Coast Ambulance Service said six patients were assessed and treated at the scene, with four subsequently taken to local hospitals, including two with more serious injuries and two with less serious injuries.
Emergency services responded to the scene with ambulances, critical care paramedics and specialist response teams, while an air ambulance also attended. The incident prompted a major emergency response at the festival grounds.
Festival Cancelled After the Tragedy
The Big Church Festival was scheduled to run from Friday through Sunday, but organisers decided to bring the entire 2026 event to an early close following the incident.
In a statement, festival organisers said they were devastated by the incident and extended their thoughts to those affected, their families and friends, as well as people who witnessed what happened.
Festivalgoers were instructed to leave the site, while campers were given directions regarding where to go following the emergency. The remaining performances and activities were subsequently cancelled.
Investigation Underway
The circumstances surrounding the collapse remain under investigation. Sussex Police are working with other authorities, including the Health and Safety Executive and the local authority, to establish exactly what happened.
Police have appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or recorded relevant video footage to come forward. Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said investigators were aware that thousands of people were at the festival and urged anyone with information to assist the investigation.
Some witnesses have reported that strong winds may have contributed to the sign falling. The Met Office recorded winds of up to 27mph around five miles away in Shoreham on Friday. However, the precise cause of the collapse has not been established, and it would be premature to attribute the incident to weather conditions alone while the investigation is ongoing.
Christian Community Mourns
The tragedy has cast a sombre shadow over what was intended to be a weekend of Christian worship, music and fellowship. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, expressed sadness and shock over the death and said she was praying for those affected and their families.
Christian pastor and author Andy Ollerton, who was due to take part in the festival, also reflected on the tragedy and described the response of festivalgoers and organisers in the aftermath.
The Big Church Festival has been running since 2009 and is promoted by its organisers as the UK’s biggest Christian festival. The 2026 gathering was expected to bring tens of thousands of people together for worship, music and teaching before the fatal incident brought the event to an unexpected end.
As the investigation continues, prayers and condolences remain with Pastor Robert Guanco’s family, those who were injured, and everyone affected by the tragedy at the festival.
