Story Highlight
– Large sign fell at Big Church Festival, Wiston Park.
– Six injured; four taken to hospital for treatment.
– Pastor Robert Guanco, 41, pronounced dead at scene.
– Craighalbert Church confirmed all its attendees are safe.
– Festival organizers working with authorities on incident investigation.
Full Story
Emergency services responded to a significant incident on Friday afternoon at the Big Church Festival, hosted at Wiston Park in West Sussex. Reports indicated that a large sign had collapsed, leading to injuries among attendees.
Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne, identified as Pastor Robert Guanco. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene, and authorities have since notified his next of kin.
The Craighalbert Church, located in Cumbernauld, announced that approximately 40 of its members had been present at the festival. On Saturday, church representatives issued a statement confirming that all their attendees were safe and on their way back home. The church expressed condolences to those affected by the incident, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved.”
In a message shared openly with their congregation and the wider community, the church noted, “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. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved and for those who will support, care for, and counsel them going forward. Pray for everyone who is currently travelling and working out alternative plans to return to Scotland.”
This unfortunate event occurred on the opening day of a festival that usually brings together thousands of attendees for a weekend of worship and community. In light of the incident, festival organisers made the decision to conclude the event early, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of everyone on-site.
Shortly after the incident, the festival’s organisers released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the circumstances. “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 statement read. The organisers extended their sympathies to all individuals impacted by the incident, including friends and relatives of Pastor Guanco, and to those who were witnesses to the event.
The statement further outlined, “Particularly with the family, friends and church of Pastor Guanco as they process the immense grief of his loss.” In recognition of the ongoing concerns regarding festival safety, organisers confirmed their cooperation with local law enforcement and the Health and Safety Executive to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic collapse.
The festival’s team expressed their gratitude towards first responders and the local community for their immediate support during the situation, highlighting the importance of togetherness during such trying times. The festival, which celebrates unity among church communities, now finds itself in a period of mourning. “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.”
As investigations continue, more updates are expected regarding safety measures and support for those who attended the festival. Attendees are being urged to seek counselling and support services if they feel impacted by the incident. Local authorities are working diligently to ensure that appropriate actions are taken as they assess the underlying causes of the sign’s collapse.
The case of Pastor Guanco has resonated widely, drawing responses from various members of the community and beyond. His contributions to his church and community have not gone unnoticed, as tributes begin to flow in from those who knew him. Colleagues and church members described him as a dedicated leader, deeply loved and respected by those he served.
As the community reflects on this solemn event, local residents are coming together to support one another through this period of grief. Many have rallied to provide assistance to those affected, whether through practical help or spiritual encouragement.
The festival, which was designed to foster celebration and faith among attendees, now serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community bonds in the aftermath of tragedy. As families begin to grapple with their loss and offer support to each other, the legacy of Pastor Guanco will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift those he touched throughout his life.
Moving forward, discussions are likely to take place regarding festival safety standards and emergency protocols to prevent similar occurrences in future events. The Big Church Festival organisers have committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the public regarding any developments or findings from the ongoing investigations.
Our Thoughts
The tragic incident at the Big Church Festival highlights several key areas for improvement in health and safety management. Firstly, a thorough risk assessment should have been conducted as per the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. This would involve identifying potential hazards associated with temporary structures, including large signs.
Moreover, compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 mandates the implementation of safety measures, such as properly securing or removing large signage during adverse weather conditions or large crowds. Ensuring that the structure had been installed and maintained by competent personnel could have mitigated the risk of collapse.
Regular inspections and a robust emergency response plan consistent with the Event Safety Guide should also be prioritized. This includes training staff and volunteers in health and safety protocols, which could facilitate quick actions in such emergencies.
Following this incident, it is vital for event organizers to review their safety procedures, engage with local authorities, and ensure adherence to relevant regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
