Church leads tributes for man killed at festival

Pastor Robert Guanco, 41, killed when sign structure collapses at West Sussex Christian festival

Constantvpn.com – The Big Church Festival, held at Wiston Park near Steyning in West Sussex, was brought to an abrupt end after a large sign structure fell from its mounting, killing one attendee and injuring six others. Organisers made the decision to cancel the remainder of the event — which had been scheduled to run from Friday through Sunday — following the fatal collapse. Four of the six injured were transported to hospital for treatment.

The man who died has been identified by his congregation as Robert Guanco, a 41-year-old pastor serving at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex. He had been leading worship and ministry work at the festival when the structure came down.

Church issues statement of grief and remembrance

In a written statement released after the tragedy, Jesus the Living Water Church described Guanco as a central figure in the lives of his family and congregation.

“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.”

Pastor Norman Ponce, representing the wider Jesus the Living Water Worldwide Church network, spoke separately about the loss. He described Guanco as a “faithful servant of God” and reflected on how the circumstances of his death had turned what should have been a joyful gathering into something far darker.

“What was meant to be a time of worship, fellowship, and celebration became an unimaginable tragedy.”

Ponce went on to list the roles Guanco filled in the lives around him — “beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband” and “great father” — before adding that 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.”

Ponce acknowledged that Guanco’s family was confronting what he called an “unimaginable loss,” while insisting that the pastor’s influence would outlast his death.

“Though Pastor Robert’s earthly journey has come to an end, his legacy of faith, love, service, and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. The seeds he planted through his ministry and his love for others will continue to live on through those he served and the family he left behind.”

Commemoration planned in Eastbourne

Guanco’s church has invited members of the congregation and the wider community to gather at the Sovereign Harbour Community Centre in Eastbourne on Sunday. The gathering will serve a dual purpose: commemorating the pastor’s life and marking the birthday of his daughter, Ellie.

Local MP and Archbishop of Canterbury respond

Josh Babarinde, the Conservative MP for Eastbourne, said he had met with members of Guanco’s congregation earlier in the summer and recalled the warmth of their gatherings.

“Their energy and spirit was inspiring. This, in so many ways, is a testament to his pastorship and his commitment to his church. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for his family — Pastor Robert was a father and husband too — and I send them and his church my most sincere condolences.”

Dame Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said she was “sad and shocked” to learn of the fatal incident. She offered prayers for the Guanco family, for those receiving medical treatment, for the healthcare workers attending to them, and for the remaining festival attendees, staff, and organisers still processing the event.

“I pray for his family, friends and loved ones as they grieve. I pray for those receiving treatment, and the healthcare workers looking after them. And I pray too for the other festival goers, staff and event organisers as they come to terms with these tragic events.”

About the Big Church Festival

Founded in 2009, the Big Church Festival bills itself as the United Kingdom’s largest Christian festival. The event draws thousands of attendees each year for a weekend of worship, music, and community activities. This year’s edition was taking place at Wiston Park, a large open-air venue near Steyning in West Sussex, before the collapse of the sign structure prompted the immediate cancellation of all remaining programming.

Investigation underway

Sussex Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the collapse and are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The force confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive and the relevant local authority have been notified and are involved in the ongoing inquiry. Details about how the sign was mounted, maintained, and inspected prior to the event are expected to form part of the review.

For families of those injured, the immediate priority remains medical treatment and support. The church community in Eastbourne and the wider festival network have rallied around the Guanco family in the hours since the tragedy, with fundraising pages opened to help cover practical costs in the days ahead.