Pastor Robert Guanco killed in sign collapse at UK festival

Big Church Festival Robert Guanco sign collapse West Sussex Christian music festival

A large wooden sign collapsed during the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park in West Sussex, England, killing 41-year-old Pastor Robert Guanco. Witnesses reported that a strong gust of wind caused the overhead structure, which bore the words ‘Everything’s Unmissable’, to topple onto festivalgoers on Friday, August 28, 2026.

In addition to the fatality, six other people were injured. Four individuals were transported to local hospitals, including two with serious injuries. Following the accident, organizers made the decision to cancel the remainder of the three-day event, which is considered the United Kingdom’s largest annual Christian music festival.

Guanco was a minister at Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne. His congregation and church leaders have released tributes describing him as a faithful servant and a devoted husband and father. Sussex Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the circumstances of the collapse.

Entities

Big Church Festival · Churches Together in England · Jesus Living Water Church · Robert Guanco · Sussex Police · Wiston Park

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] Six other people were injured during the incident. www.christianpost.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The death occurred when a sign fell during the Big Church Festival in West Sussex. www.christiandaily.com · churchleaders.com · www.christianpost.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. www.christiandaily.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Festival organizers paused and subsequently canceled the remainder of the Big Church Festival. www.christiandaily.com · churchleaders.com
[DISPUTED] Five people were assessed and treated at the scene by the South East Coast Ambulance Service. www.christiandaily.com
[DISPUTED] Four people were taken to local hospitals, including two with serious injuries and two with minor injuries. www.christiandaily.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Big Church Festival is the largest annual Christian music event in the United Kingdom. churchleaders.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Robert Guanco, the 41-year-old pastor of Jesus Living Water Church, died on August 28, 2026. www.christiandaily.com · churchleaders.com · www.christianpost.com

Sources

Pastor Dies After Giant Festival Sign Collapses During Crusade, Leaving Worshippers in Shock [nairobinews.co.ke]

15 days ago

Church pays tribute to pastor who died at Big Church Festival [www.christiandaily.com]

15 days ago

Pastor Robert Guanco Identified as Man Killed in Tragic Big Church Festival Accident [churchleaders.com]

15 days ago

Church leaders mourn pastor killed at Big Church Festival in England [www.christianpost.com]

15 days ago

Pastor Tragedy At UK's Biggest Christian Festival [vision.org.au]

15 days ago

Pastor Identified As Victim Of Deadly Christian Festival Sign Collapse - Worthy Christian News [www.worthynews.com]

15 days ago