Big Church Festival: Man killed at West Sussex event named and fundraising appeal launched amid 'unimaginable tragedy'
The man who died after a large sign fell at a Christian festival, near Steyning, was a pastor at an Eastbourne church.
Sussex Police said officers were called, about 3.40pm on Friday (August 28), to reports that a 'large sign had fallen and injured a number of people', at the Big Church Festival, in Washington Road.
"Tragically, it was confirmed a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died at the scene,” a police spokesperson said.
"His next of kin have been informed and supported by specialist officers."
The victim has since been identified as Robert Guanco – a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne.
His church has paid tribute to him and launched an online fundraising appeal to support his family.
The GoFundMe campaign, titled ‘In loving memory of Pastor Robert Guanco’ has raised more than £6,700 towards an £18,000 target – at the time of writing.
The fundraiser says Pastor Robert was a ‘beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband to Isaeli, a great father to Ellie, and faithful servant of God’.
It adds that he was also a ‘good friend, mentor, and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched’.
The fundraiser says: “What was meant to be a time of worship, fellowship, and celebration became an unimaginable tragedy.”
It describes Pastor Robert as someone whose life reflected ‘humility, faith, love, compassion, and service’, adding that through his ministry, kindness, prayers and encouragement, he touched many lives.
His family is now facing the loss of a husband, father, son and brother, alongside the financial challenges of his unexpected death, the appeal says.
It asks supporters to donate or share the fundraiser, while also asking people to keep Pastor Robert’s family in their prayers.
The appeal was launched on behalf of Jesus the Living Water World Wide Church – UK by June Ramores, with Bishop Norman Ponce signing the tribute.
It concludes by paying tribute to Pastor Robert legacy of faith and service, saying the lives he touched ‘will never be forgotten’.
After the incident, South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed a further five people were assessed and treated at the scene.
Four of those patients were taken to local hospitals for further treatment, including two patients with more serious injuries and two patients with less serious injuries.
Police have remained at the scene, over the weekend, as officers continue enquiries to support the coronial process – and gather evidence for a joint investigation with Horsham District Council. Witnesses have been urged to come forward.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said officers were still appealing for information and relevant video footage from people who were at the festival.
He 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 festival organisers have brought Big Church Festival 2026 to a close following the incident.
They said they were ‘devastated and heartbroken’ and that their focus was on those directly affected.
A traffic notice, at https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news, reads: “Give take traffic and slow traffic due to The Big Church Festival – which has been cancelled – on A283 Washington Road both ways at the Wiston Estate. Temporary lights remain in place following an incident on Friday which cancelled the event.”
Anyone with information or relevant footage is asked to contact Sussex Police online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.
If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-pastor-robert-guanco-jbvcu