A 41-year-old man who died after a large wooden sign fell at a Christian festival on Friday has been named as Robert Guanco, a pastor at a church in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Guanco, described by his church as a “loving husband” and “a devoted and caring father”, was killed when the overhead sign blew over in the wind at the Big Church festival (BCF) near Steyning in West Sussex.
Church tribute and family appeal
Jesus Living Water church in Eastbourne named Guanco as “our beloved brother, friend and pastor” in a GoFundMe page set up to support his family, who it said faced “unimaginable loss” following his death. The tribute, posted on Sunday, read: “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. His life, his faith, his love and his service to God will never be forgotten.”
The church added: “He was also a good friend, mentor and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched. His life reflected humility, faith, love, compassion and service. Through his ministry, kindness, prayers and encouragement, he touched many lives. His passing is deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Incident details and festival response
Six other people were injured when the overhead sign, which read “Everything’s Unmissable”, fell at the festival. Four of the injured were taken to hospital. Festivalgoers said they rushed to lift the heavy sign after it was blown over in the wind.
Organisers of the BCF, billed as the UK’s biggest Christian festival, said they were “heartbroken” by Guanco’s death and cancelled the rest of the event. In a statement, they said: “We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church festival 2026, in which Pastor Robert Guanco tragically lost his life and others were injured. 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.”
They added: “We are working with the police, the Health and Safety Executive and others as they establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.” The festival opened on Friday and had been due to run until Sunday. The event, which includes worship, music and various performances, first took place in 2009.
Official reactions and police appeal
The archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, said she was “sad and shocked” by the incident. “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. And I pray too for the other festivalgoers, staff and event organisers as they come to terms with these tragic events.”
Many people at the festival were first alerted to the tragedy when God TV announced that “due to unforeseen circumstances” the festival live stream had been paused. Sussex police’s Det Ch Supt Richard McDonagh said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the man who died and all others who have been affected by this tragic incident.” He urged anyone among the “thousands of people” at the festival on Friday who had information or video footage to come forward.
