Posted on: 29th August 2026

A man has died and at least six people have been injured at the Big Church Festival in Wiston Park, near the town of Steyning in West Sussex.

Sussex Police said that they were called at about 3:38pm on Friday to reports that a large sign had fallen at the event. Officers attended the scene with emergency-service colleagues.

“Tragically, it was confirmed a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne died at the scene,” a statement said. “His next of kin have been informed and supported by specialist officers.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“At least six other people were also injured during this incident and have been taken to hospital for treatment. I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.

“We know there were thousands of people at the festival and we’re urging anyone with any information, or any relevant video footage, to please come forward. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Igloo.”

The man who died has been named as Robert Guanco, a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne. The church said in a statement on Saturday: “Pastor Robert was a faithful servant of God, a loving husband to Isay, a devoted and caring father to Ellie, and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched. His life, his faith, his love, and his service to God will never be forgotten.”

The organisers of the Big Church Festival said in a statement on Friday evening that they were “devastated by the serious incident that took place. . . First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened.”

They had decided “to bring Big Church Festival 2026 to a close”, the statement said. “Our immediate priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved and helping those currently at the festival to leave the site safely.

“We will provide further information as quickly as we can through our website and official channels. . . We are working with the emergency services, police and the Health and Safety Executive as they establish the circumstances surrounding today’s incident. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded, and to our teams and community for the care they have shown one another.

“Big Church Festival is about bringing people together. Tonight, that community is grieving. Right now, our focus is on those directly affected by what happened today.

“We are heartbroken.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury said in a statement on Saturday: “I am sad and shocked to hear that a man has died at the Big Church Festival, and that others have been injured. I pray for his family, friends and loved ones as they grieve. I pray for those receiving treatment, and the healthcare workers looking after them. And I pray too for the other festival goers, staff and event organisers as they come to terms with these tragic events. May the God of comfort and healing be with them all.”

The Acting Bishop of Chichester, the Rt Revd Will Hazlewood, and the Bishop of Horsham, the Rt Revd Ruth Bushyager, wrote a letter to congregation of Jesus the Living Water, which was taken to a prayer service held at the church on Sunday afternoon.

The Bishops wrote: “Our hearts go out to you in the tragedy of this sudden loss. We pray for your whole congregation, and especially for Pastor Robert’s family in their shock and grief. We pray that you will each know the comfort and sustaining presence of the Lord Jesus, who will bind up the brokenhearted and be close to all who mourn.

“At times such as these, words feel inadequate. Yet we hold fast to the Christian hope that neither death nor life can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the midst of sorrow, we entrust your Pastor into God’s eternal care and commend all who mourn to His loving embrace.”

St Andrew and St Cuthman, Steyning, posted on social media on Saturday: “Our door is always open in the daytime for anyone who wishes to come in for quiet prayer or just to be still and reflect.” The church said in a message that “anybody still in the area after the festival was abandoned would be welcome at our 8am and 9:30am Holy Communion and 6pm Evening Prayer on Sunday 30 August”.

 

*Posted on Saturday 29th & updated on Sunday 30th September. Article contributed by the Church Times.