Pastor Died of Blunt Force Trauma After Festival Sign Collapse, Inquest Reveals

A pastor and father of one died from blunt force trauma when a large wooden archway bearing the slogan 'Everything's Unmissable' collapsed in high winds at the Big Church Festival (BCF) in Steyning, West Sussex. Robert Guanco, 41, was killed in the incident on August 28, and six other people were injured, with four requiring hospital treatment.

Guanco, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was a pastor at Jesus Living Water Church and also worked as a healthcare assistant. His church described him as a "devoted father" to his daughter Ellie and a "loving husband" to his wife Isay. The community has rallied around his grieving family, raising more than £240,000 via a GoFundMe page to help them cope with their "unimaginable loss" and "practical and financial challenges."

The inquest heard that Guanco, who was born in the Philippines, died after the archway fell on him and other festivalgoers. A post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death as "multiple severe injuries and blunt force trauma."

An inquest into his death was opened by Area Coroner Joseph Turner, who stated that a pre-inquest review hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2027. The organizers of the BCF, billed as the UK's largest Christian festival, expressed their devastation and cancelled the remainder of the event. The festival had been due to run from August 28 to August 30, featuring over 60 music artists and worship leaders.

Author Andrew Ollerton, who was walking nearby with his wife, described being "absolutely reeling" and "in a bit of a shock" after witnessing the incident. He stated on Instagram that he and others rushed to help lift the sign and thanked the festival team for their "decisive action." He also reflected on the questions raised by the tragedy, referencing a passage in the Gospel of Luke.

The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and the local authority. Sussex Police are appealing for anyone who was present at the festival on August 28 and has information or video footage to come forward. The BCF, which includes music and worship, has been held annually since 2009.