# Fatal sign collapse at Big Church Festival

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-sign-collapse-at-big-church-festival
> Updated: 2026-08-31T17:19:06.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2.

On August 28, 2026, a fatal accident occurred at the Big Church Festival in Wiston Park, West Sussex, when a large wooden sign collapsed, reportedly due to strong winds. The incident resulted in the death of 41-year-old Pastor Robert Guanco of Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne. 

Witnesses reported that a strong gust of wind caused the overhead structure, which bore the words ‘Everything’s Unmissable’, to topple onto festivalgoers. In addition to the fatality, six other people were injured. While the South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that five people were assessed at the scene, reports indicate four individuals were transported to local hospitals, including two with serious injuries.

Festival organizers canceled the remainder of the three-day event, which is recognized as the United Kingdom’s largest annual Christian music festival. Sussex Police and the Health and Safety Executive have launched a joint investigation into the circumstances of the accident, and authorities are appealing for witnesses or video footage to assist in the inquiry. 

Following the incident, Guanco’s congregation and church leaders released tributes describing him as a ‘faithful servant’ and a ‘devoted husband and father’.

## Claims

- Five people were assessed and treated at the scene by the South East Coast Ambulance Service. (disputed)
- Four people were taken to local hospitals, including two with serious injuries and two with minor injuries. (disputed)
- Six other people were injured during the incident. (disputed)
- Robert Guanco, the 41-year-old pastor of Jesus Living Water Church, died on August 28, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The death occurred when a sign fell during the Big Church Festival in West Sussex. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Festival organizers paused and subsequently canceled the remainder of the Big Church Festival. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident. (single source)
- The Big Church Festival is the largest annual Christian music event in the United Kingdom. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Pastor Robert Guanco killed in sign collapse at UK festival

Pastor Robert Guanco was killed and six others injured when a large sign collapsed during the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, England, leading to the cancellation of the event.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pastor-robert-guanco-killed-in-sign-accident-at-big-church-festival

### 2026-08-28: Big Church Festival cancelled after fatal sign collapse in England

A 41-year-old man died and at least six others were injured after a large sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, England. The event has been cancelled following the incident.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/big-church-festival-attendee-killed-as-sign-collapses-in-west-sussex

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Cite as: Fatal sign collapse at Big Church Festival. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-sign-collapse-at-big-church-festival