Eastbourne pastor Robert Guanco named as man killed at Big Church Festival - Updated at 19:02 30.08.2026

An Eastbourne pastor who died after a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival near Steyning on Friday has been named as Robert Guanco.

Pastor Robert Guanco, 41, was a member of Jesus Living Water Church Eastbourne, which has paid an emotional tribute to him following his death at the festival on Friday 28 August.

The church described him as a “faithful servant of God”, a loving husband and devoted father, saying his life, faith and service would never be forgotten.

In a statement, Jesus Living Water Church Eastbourne said: “It is with a deeply heavy heart that we share the sad news that our beloved Pastor Robert passed away yesterday, 28th August 2026.

“We are mourning, grieving, praying, and trusting in the Lord during this incredibly difficult time. There are many things we may never fully understand, and our hearts may struggle to make sense of what has happened. Yet, even in our deepest sorrow, we continue to trust in the sovereignty of God.

“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.

“We take comfort in believing that he is now home with the Lord, free from suffering and resting in eternal glory.”

The church added: “We may not understand God’s timing or His will, and His plans may not always look the way we expected or desired. But we choose to believe that He is still working, even in the midst of our pain.”

Scene of festival near Steyning - Credit: BBC News Hub, part of the Local News Partnership programme

Pastor Robert died after a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival, which was being held at the Wiston Estate near Steyning.

Emergency services were called at around 3.38pm on Friday to reports that the sign had fallen and injured a number of people at the site, off Washington Road.

Sussex Police confirmed that the 41-year-old from Eastbourne died at the scene. His next of kin were informed and have been supported by specialist officers.

The latest update from Sussex Police, issued on Saturday, said a further five people were assessed and treated by South East Coast Ambulance Service following the incident.

Four of those patients were taken to local hospitals for further treatment. Two were described as having more serious injuries and two as having less serious injuries.

Police remained at the festival site on Saturday as enquiries continued into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officers are gathering evidence as part of a joint investigation with Horsham District Council and to support the coronial process. The Health and Safety Executive has also been informed.

Detective Chief Superintendent 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.

“We know there were thousands of people on site yesterday afternoon, and we would urge anyone with any information or any relevant video footage to please come forward. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.”

The incident led organisers to bring the entire 2026 Big Church Festival to an early end.

The event had opened on Friday and was due to run across the Bank Holiday weekend until Sunday, but organisers announced following the tragedy that no further festival programme would take place.

In a statement issued following the incident, Big Church Festival said it was “devastated” and that its thoughts were with those affected, their families and friends, and those who witnessed what happened.

Organisers said their immediate priority was the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved and helping those at the festival leave the site safely.

They added: “Big Church Festival is about bringing people together. Tonight, that community is grieving. Right now, our focus is on those directly affected by what happened today.

“We are heartbroken.”

The festival, one of the UK’s largest Christian music and worship events, attracts thousands of people to the Wiston Estate each year.

Sussex Police continues to appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has photographs or video footage which could assist the investigation, to contact the force online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.

Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! 

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.