Story Highlight
– Large sign fell at Big Church Festival, Wiston Park.
– Six injuries reported; four hospitalized.
– Pastor Robert Guanco, 41, died at the scene.
– Craighalbert Church members confirmed safe after incident.
– Festival canceled; organizers cooperating with authorities for investigation.
Full Story
Emergency services responded on Friday afternoon to reports of a significant incident at the Big Church Festival held at Wiston Park, West Sussex, where a large sign reportedly fell, resulting in multiple injuries and a fatality.
In total, six individuals sustained injuries during the occurrence, with four needing hospital treatment for their conditions. Tragically, the incident claimed the life of a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne, who has since been identified as Pastor Robert Guanco. Authorities have notified his next of kin about the unfortunate event.
In response to the incident, Craighalbert Church, based in Cumbernauld, released a message to its congregation, as approximately 40 members were attending the festival at the time. The church reassured its members that they were safe and returning home following the incident. Their statement expressed deep sympathy for those affected, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved and for those who will support, care for, and counsel them going forward.”
The church’s communication highlighted their concern for the well-being of their congregation, noting, “Checking in following the tragic incident at the Big Church Festival. Many are seeing the story unfold on the news. Around 40 people from our church attended, and everyone is safe and now making their journeys home. Pray for everyone who is currently travelling and working out alternative plans to return to Scotland.”
In light of the incident occurring on the festival’s opening day, the event’s organisers quickly issued a statement announcing the decision to terminate festivities. They emphasised that this measure was taken in prioritising the safety and well-being of attendees. The organisers confirmed their intention to cooperate with local police, the Health and Safety Executive, and other relevant authorities as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate event.
A statement on the Big Church Festival’s official website expressed the organisers’ devastation over the incident: “We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026, in which Pastor Robert Guanco tragically lost his life, and others were injured.” The organisers extended their thoughts to everyone impacted by the tragedy, highlighting the emotional toll such incidents take on families, friends, and witnesses alike.
“Particularly with the family, friends and church of Pastor Guanco as they process the immense grief of his loss,” the message continued, reaffirming their commitment to the community affected by the incident. In declaring the closure of the festival, they underscored the necessity of focusing on the safety and emotional needs of those at the event.
The organisers also expressed profound gratitude towards first responders and community members who offered assistance during the crisis, emphasising that the ethos of the Big Church Festival is to unite people in fellowship. “At the moment, that community is grieving. Our focus remains on those directly affected by what happened. We are heartbroken,” the statement concluded.
Emergency services were on the scene swiftly, attending to those injured and managing the situation. Eyewitnesses described a scene of shock and confusion, with many attendees comprehensively unaware of the extent of the incident until news reports began circulating.
Local authorities have commenced investigations to ascertain the reasons for the sign’s collapse and to ensure that similar occurrences are prevented in the future. The Health and Safety Executive stated that they are working closely with the police to determine the factors that contributed to this tragic event.
Following these events, community members have been reaching out to one another, offering support and resources to those affected. The outpouring of grief and solidarity has been evident across social media, with many sharing messages of support for Pastor Guanco’s family, friends, and congregation.
Pastor Guanco was well-regarded within his community, known for his dedication to his congregation and his influence on numerous lives. His untimely passing has left a profound sense of loss among those who knew him, particularly within the Craighalbert Church, which has expressed a commitment to supporting its members through this challenging time.
Local leaders and community members are expected to come together in the coming days to discuss the implications of this incident further and to strategise on how to provide ongoing support to those affected. Expert opinions suggest that such tragic events highlight the importance of stringent safety measures at large gatherings, particularly those involving significant structures like signs.
Authorities will be under considerable pressure to conduct a thorough investigation while ensuring that festival-goers and local residents feel safe and supported in the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident. As the community begins to heal, the focus will be on providing support and assistance to those grappling with grief and loss.
Our Thoughts
To prevent the tragic incident at the Big Church Festival, several key safety measures could have been implemented in line with UK health and safety legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
1. **Risk Assessment**: A comprehensive risk assessment should have been conducted prior to the event, specifically addressing the stability and safety of large signage and temporary structures, as well as crowd management.
2. **Installation Procedures**: Ensuring that all signs and structures were installed by qualified personnel and regularly inspected would have mitigated the risk of collapse.
3. **Emergency Planning**: An effective emergency response plan should have been in place, including clear protocols for first aid and evacuation, along with briefings for staff and volunteers.
4. **Site Conditions**: Regular monitoring of weather conditions that may impact structural safety could be crucial in preventing such incidents.
5. **Compliance with Regulations**: Any breaches of safety regulations, particularly concerning event safety management or temporary structure stability, would need to be investigated in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive to inform future practices.
These measures are crucial in enhancing safety at large events, potentially preventing similar incidents in the future.
