Man, 41, killed by falling sign at UK festival named as tributes paid
The man who was killed at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex on Friday (28 August) has been named as six others were injured.
Robert Guanco was a pastor at Eastbourne's Living Water Church and died after a sign fell at the Christian festival at Wiston Park.
In a statement, the 41-year-old's church 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."
Four of the six people injured were taken to hospital for treatment and organisers decided to cancel the remainder of the event which was due to continue until Sunday.
Advert
Police were called to the scene near Steyning at around 3:38pm on Friday and the man was pronounced dead.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Sussex Police confirmed the incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and local authority.
McDonagh added: "I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.
"We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we’re urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to please come forward.”
Anyone with information that could help police has been asked to report it online or call 101, quoting 'Operation Igloo'.
In a public statement updated at 10:23pm on Friday night, the festival said: “We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026 today, in which a sign fell, injuring at least seven people, one of whom tragically lost their life.
“First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened."
Jess Battison