Man killed by falling sign at Christian festival named as church pays tribute

Robert Guanco, 41, a pastor at Jesus Living Water church in Eastbourne, described as having ‘touched many lives’

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.

A tribute from his church on Sunday described him as a respected pastor who was a “loving husband” and “a devoted and caring father”.

Six other people were injured when the overhead sign fell at the Big Church festival (BCF) near Steyning in West Sussex, including four who were taken to hospital.

Festivalgoers said they rushed to lift the heavy sign, which read “Everything’s Unmissable”, after it was blown over in the wind.

Jesus Living Water church in Eastbourne named Guanco, describing him as “our beloved brother, friend and pastor”, in a GoFundMe to help his family, who it said faced “unimaginable loss” following his death.

It said: “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.”

It 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.”

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.

“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,” they said in a statement.

“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.

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.