Full Breakdown
Pastor Robert Guanco Killed When Wooden Arch Collapses at Big Church Festival
By Drooid · · How we work
Fatal Accident and Immediate Aftermath
On August 28, a large wooden arch fell onto a temporary road at the Big Church Festival (BCF) near Steyning, West Sussex. The structure landed on several attendees, killing Robert Guanco, 41, a pastor of Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, and injuring six others, four of whom required hospital treatment. The inquest opened at Woodvale Coroner’s Court in Brighton was adjourned until a pre-inquest review on 9 March 2027.
Festival Background
BCF, billed as the UK’s biggest Christian festival, opened on 28 August and had been scheduled to run until 30 August. The event features worship, music and performances and first began in 2009. Following the accident, organisers cancelled the remainder of the festival and paused the live-stream on the God TV channel.
Official Statements & Responses
Area Coroner Joseph Turner opened the inquest and offered “sincere condolences” to Guanco’s family. A statement from coroner’s officer Alex Jones confirmed the arch’s collapse and Guanco’s background as a Philippines-born health-care assistant and husband. Sussex Police, the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities have been notified, and Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh urged anyone with information or video footage to come forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A large wooden arch has fallen over a temporary road, landing on several members of the public,” — Mr Jones
- “I offer sincere condolences to the family of Mr Guanco.” — Horsham. He
- “His passing is deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.” — Organisers
These statements underscore the tragedy’s impact on the festival community and the ongoing investigation into safety failures at the event.
