- Tragedy at Wiston Park: Robert Guanco, a 41-year-old pastor from Eastbourne, died after a large wooden sign collapsed during the Big Church Festival.
- Investigation Launched: Sussex Police have launched ‘Operation Igloo’ to investigate the incident, which also left six other people injured.
Community Mourns Pastor Following Fatal Incident at Wiston Park
The Christian community in East Sussex is in mourning following the death of Robert Guanco, a pastor who was killed during a tragic accident at the Big Church Festival. Mr Guanco, 41, served at the Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne. The incident occurred on Friday, 23 August 2024, at Wiston Park near Steyning, where the annual event was being staged.
According to reports, the man who died at the Christian music festival in Sussex has been named as Mr Guanco after a large wooden sign collapsed onto a group of festivalgoers. The sign reportedly featured the slogan “Everything’s Unmissable.” Emergency services attended the scene, but Mr Guanco’s injuries proved fatal. Six other individuals were injured during the structure’s collapse, four of whom required hospital treatment for their injuries.
Festival Cancelled as Police Launch Operation Igloo
Following the fatal collapse, organisers made the decision to cancel the remainder of the Big Church Festival. The event, which draws thousands of attendees each year, was originally scheduled to run through the bank holiday weekend. In a statement, the church named the pastor killed by a falling sign at a Christian festival, expressing their deep sadness over the loss of their leader.
Sussex Police have confirmed that a full investigation into the circumstances of the death is underway. The inquiry has been titled “Operation Igloo.” Authorities have also notified the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is expected to examine the structural integrity of the signage and the safety protocols in place at the Wiston Park site. Officers have remained at the scene to gather evidence and speak with witnesses who were present when the sign fell.
Support for the Guanco Family
As tributes are paid to the pastor who died after the sign fell at the Big Church Festival, his congregation has moved quickly to support his surviving relatives. Mr Guanco leaves behind his wife, Isaeli, and their young daughter, Ellie. The Jesus the Living Water Church has established a GoFundMe page to provide financial assistance to the family during this difficult time.
Church members have described Mr Guanco as a dedicated figure within the Eastbourne community. The sudden nature of the accident has prompted a wave of condolences from across the region, with many attendees of the festival expressing their shock at the tragedy. The investigation remains ongoing as police and health and safety officials determine why the wooden structure failed.