Christian Music Festival in England Turns Tragic as Falling Sign Kills Pastor
A major music festival in the U.K. featuring some of the biggest names in Christian music turned tragic Friday when a large sign near an entrance collapsed, killing one person and injuring at least six others.
The Big Church Festival is the United Kingdom’s largest annual Christian music festival, featuring three days of music, testimonies and worship. This year’s event, in West Sussex, was set to feature dozens of artists across multiple stages, including Lauren Daigle, Elevation Rhythm, Anne Wilson, CeCe Winans, Matthew West, For King & Country, Lecrae, Rend Collective, Franni Cash and Seph Schlueter, along with a host of other artists.
The festival was still in its opening hours on Friday when a large wooden sign collapsed shortly after 3:30 p.m. local time, killing Robert Guanco, a 41-year-old pastor at a church in Eastbourne. Witnesses said the sign toppled following a strong gust of wind.
Organizers canceled the remainder of the festival and released a statement saying they are "devastated" by the tragedy.
“First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened,” a statement from the Big Church Festival read. “Particularly with the family, friends and church of Pastor Guanco as they process the immense grief of his loss."
“Following the incident, we made the decision to bring Big Church 2026 to a close for the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. We are working with the police, the Health and Safety Executive and others as they establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded, and to our teams and community for the care they have shown one another."
“Big Church Festival is about bringing people together. At the moment, that community is grieving. Our focus remains on those directly affected by what happened."
“We are heartbroken.”
Guanco was part of Jesus the Living Water World Wide Church and is survived by a wife and daughter.
“Pastor Robert was more than a pastor. He was a beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband to Isaeli, a great father to Ellie, and faithful servant of God,” a GoFundMe page set up for his family read. “He was also a good friend, mentor, and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched.”
The family is “facing the practical and financial challenges that come with such an unexpected tragedy,” the page said.
As of Monday morning (Aug. 31), £138,730 of a goal of £200,000 had been raised.
Photo Credit: ©BBC/ScreenGrab
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published August 31, 2026.
