by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
LONDON (Worthy News) – The 41-year-old man who died after a large wooden sign fell at a major Christian festival in England was identified Sunday as Robert Guanco, a pastor at a church in the coastal town of Eastbourne.
Organizers of the Big Church Festival (BCF), billed as Britain’s largest Christian music and worship event, said they were “heartbroken” by his death and canceled the remainder of the three-day gathering.
Six other people were injured when the large overhead sign, carrying the words “Everything’s Unmissable,” fell at the festival near the town of Steyning in West Sussex, South East England. Four were taken to hospital, including two with more serious injuries and two with less serious injuries, according to police.
Festivalgoer Fred Abbott, who said he was about 20 meters (66 feet) from the structure, described hearing a “massive crack and bang” as the sign toppled amid strong winds.
FESTIVALGOERS RUSH TO HELP
“There were around 30 to 50 people, including me and my friend, picking up this sign,” he recalled.
Many people at the festival first learned of the incident’s seriousness when Christian broadcaster GOD TV announced that the festival livestream had been paused “due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Police were called to the site at about 3:38 p.m. Friday following reports that a large sign had fallen and injured festivalgoers. The Health and Safety Executive and local authorities were also informed as authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Yet they could not rescue Guanco, who was remembered by Jesus Living Water Church as “our beloved brother, friend and pastor.” The congregation launched a fundraising appeal to support his family following what it called an “unimaginable loss.”
BELOVED PASTOR REMEMBERED
“Pastor Robert was a faithful servant of God, a loving husband to Isay, a devoted and caring father to Ellie, and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched,” the church wrote in its tribute.
“His life reflected humility, faith, love, compassion and service. Through his ministry, kindness, prayers and encouragement, he touched many lives,” the congregation added. “His passing is deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
The church expressed comfort in believing Guanco was “now home with the Lord, free from suffering and resting in eternal glory.”
Festival organizers said: “First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened. Particularly with the family, friends and church of Pastor Guanco as they process the immense grief of his loss.”
ARCHBISHOP PRAYS FOR VICTIMS
Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally described herself as “sad and shocked” by Guanco’s death. “I pray for his family, friends and loved ones as they grieve,” she said. “I pray for those receiving treatment and the healthcare workers looking after them.”
She also prayed for “the other festivalgoers, staff and event organizers as they come to terms with these tragic events.”
Sussex Police Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh urged witnesses among the thousands of people at the site on Friday to provide investigators with information or relevant video footage.
“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the man who died and all others who have been affected by this tragic incident,” McDonagh said.
POLICE SEEK VIDEO FOOTAGE
The sold-out festival was held on the grounds of the historic Wiston Estate near Steyning in West Sussex and was scheduled to continue through Sunday. The event typically attracts tens of thousands of Christians from across Britain and beyond.
It brings together participants for contemporary Christian music and worship, with performances, talks and activities for families and churches.
The 2026 lineup included prominent Christian artists such as CeCe Winans, for KING + COUNTRY, Bethel Music, Matthew West, Charity Gayle and Rend Collective.
The festival began in 2009 as the Big Church Day Out, a one-day gathering organized by Tim Jupp, a founding member of the Christian rock band Delirious?. It has since grown into one of Britain’s largest Christian gatherings.
FESTIVAL BEGAN IN 2009
Last year, about 35,000 Christians attended the sold-out event at the Wiston Estate. More than 950 volunteers helped operate eight stages, café tents and other festival facilities.
The 2026 edition was designed as a full three-day weekend, with organizers no longer selling individual day tickets and encouraging participants to attend the entire gathering.
However, Friday’s fatal incident brought the festival to an abrupt end on its opening day.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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