Pastor Robert Guanco Killed in Big Church Festival Accident; Event Canceled

Pastor Robert Guanco of Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne was killed on 28 August 2026, after a large sign fell near the stage at the Big Church Festival, according to reports. Six other people sustained injuries in the incident, which prompted organizers to cancel the remainder of the annual three-day event.

The tragedy occurred during the afternoon of the festival, which draws tens of thousands of attendees annually. Billed as the largest Christian music festival in the United Kingdom, the gathering typically attracts more than 38,000 to 40,000 participants each August. Festival organizers confirmed that Friday’s schedule included performances by prominent artists such as CeCe Winans, Anne Wilson, Rend Collective, Lecrae, Franni Cash, Strings & Heart, Caleb Gordon, and DJ Shunz.

Festival Cancellation and Official Investigations

Following the structural accident, festival organizers announced the immediate closure of the 2026 event for the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. According to a statement, organizers are cooperating fully with local law enforcement, the Health and Safety Executive, and other authorities to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the collapse of the sign.

Authorities transported six injured individuals to a nearby hospital for treatment following the incident. Organizers expressed deep sorrow over the accident, directing their primary focus toward the victims, their families, and the wider community processing the sudden loss.

Tributes for Pastor Robert Guanco

Jesus the Living Water Church released a formal statement on social media remembering Pastor Guanco as a faithful servant of God, a loving husband to Isay, and a devoted father to their daughter, Ellie. The church congregation acknowledged the difficulty of making sense of the tragedy while emphasizing their trust in divine sovereignty during deep sorrow, according to ChurchLeaders.

Guanco’s wife, Isaeli, shared a poignant sentiment expressed by their young daughter in the wake of the accident. As reported by ChurchLeaders, Isaeli shared words from Ellie on Facebook: Even if we’re no longer complete, in our hearts we are still a happy family.

Several scheduled musical acts, including CeCe Winans, for KING + COUNTRY, and Rend Collective, shared public responses offering condolences to the grieving family and the Eastbourne church community.