Sign collapse kills man injures five at festival
The vibrant energy of music and community was tragically shattered at the opening day of the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, when a large sign collapsed, resulting in a death and multiple injuries.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 28, during what was expected to be a massive three-day celebration for approximately 40,000 attendees. The festival, which proudly bills itself as the UK’s largest Christian music event, was scheduled to feature a lineup of major acts including Lauren Daigle, Elevation Rhythm, CeCe Winans, Anne Wilson, Bethel Music, and For King & Country at Wiston Park.
When police were called to the site following reports of the sign collapse, the mood instantly shifted from celebratory to deeply sorrowful. The scene became a focal point of concern as emergency services responded to the unfolding tragedy.
Sussex Police confirmed that a 41-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as Robert Guanco, a pastor at Jesus The Living Water Church in Eastbourne. His church released a heartfelt statement, mourning the loss of a devoted servant of God, a loving husband, and a father.
“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 stated.
In addition to the fatality, five other festival-goers were assessed and treated by the South East Coast Ambulance Service. Four were taken to local hospitals, with two sustaining more serious injuries and two sustaining less serious ones.
While the focus immediately turned to the victims and their families, police launched a thorough investigation. The cause of the sign’s collapse has not yet been established, and authorities are gathering evidence to assist in the joint inquiry with Horsham District Council and the Health and Safety Executive.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh expressed his condolences, stating that the focus remains with the family and friends of the man who died and all those affected by the tragic incident.
The organizers of the festival were visibly heartbroken by the events. They stressed that the purpose of the Big Church Festival is to bring people together, and they expressed that the community was grieving as the event was brought to a close early.
The event, which began in 2009, has since grown into an annual gathering encompassing a diverse range of music, including Christian rock, gospel, rap, and contemporary worship. As organizers proceed, they have promised to contact ticket holders with information regarding refunds as soon as possible.
The wider community response was marked by profound sadness, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, expressing her shock and offering prayers for the victims, their loved ones, and the healthcare workers who provided treatment.
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