A joyful celebration of faith turned into an unimaginable nightmare when a heavy overhead structure collapsed at one of the UK’s largest Christian gatherings.
The man killed by a falling sign at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex has been formally identified as 41-year-old Pastor Robert Guanco. He served at the Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne, leaving behind a community now grappling with sudden, profound grief.
What Happened at Wiston Park
The tragedy unfolded on Friday afternoon at Wiston Park near Steyning. A large wooden display bearing the phrase "Everything's Unmissable" was blown down by strong winds, crashing directly onto a crowd of festivalgoers.
Witnesses on site described a scene of sudden panic and instant heroism. Roughly thirty to fifty bystanders rushed toward the wreckage immediately, desperately working together to lift the heavy timber off the victims.
Despite frantic efforts from emergency responders, Pastor Guanco was pronounced dead at the scene. Six other individuals sustained injuries during the collapse, with four requiring urgent transport to local hospitals for medical treatment.
A Community Pays Tribute
Tributes poured in almost immediately as news of the accident spread across the nation. The Jesus Living Water Church released an emotional statement honoring their beloved leader, describing him as a faithful servant, a loving husband to Isay, and a devoted father to their daughter Ellie.
"His life reflected humility, faith, love, compassion, and service," shared Pastor Norman Ponce from Jesus the Living Water World Wide Church. "Through his ministry, kindness, prayers, and encouragement, he touched many lives".
Church members established a GoFundMe campaign to support his grieving family through the sudden financial and emotional strain. Public figures, including the Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally, also shared public statements offering prayers for the injured, the medical staff, and the mourning congregation.
Festival Organizers Cancel the Weekend
Organizers of the Big Church Festival announced they were completely heartbroken by the accident. Billed as the country's premier Christian music and worship event, the festival made the swift decision to cancel the remainder of the Bank Holiday weekend.
Attendees first realized something was severely wrong when live streams abruptly halted, citing unforeseen circumstances. Festival leadership confirmed they are cooperating fully with active investigations.
Sussex Police, alongside the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities, have launched a joint inquiry into the structural failure. Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh urged anyone with mobile footage or relevant information regarding the collapse to contact authorities under Operation Igloo.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the tragedy, local support networks and pastoral counseling services are currently available through community churches and festival support lines.
