The UK’s largest Christian music festival came to an abrupt halt on Friday afternoon after a large falling sign struck and killed a 40-something pastor and injured six other people. The tragedy, which occurred at the Big Church Festival grounds, prompted organizers to cancel the remainder of the weekend event, according to statements released by both the festival and affected church communities.
Incident and Festival Cancellation
Big Church Festival draws tens of thousands of attendees to its annual August gathering. The sold-out event welcomed more than 38,000 people this year, while figures place the average attendance above 40,000. Friday’s mainstage lineup was set to feature prominent Christian artists, including CeCe Winans, Anne Wilson, Rend Collective, Lecrae, Franni Cash, Strings & Heart, Caleb Gordon, and DJ Shunz.
The schedule was cut short when a large sign fell near the stage on Friday afternoon, killing one person and sending six others to the hospital. In response to the disaster, festival organizers announced the immediate termination of the event. “Following the incident, we made the decision to bring Big Church 2026 to a close for the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved,” festival organizers said in a statement published on social media. Organizers added that they are cooperating with police and the Health and Safety Executive to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Pastor Robert Guanco Identified
The man killed in the accident was identified as 41-year-old Pastor Robert Guanco of Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Guanco was a husband and a father.
The day after the tragedy, Jesus the Living Water Church released a statement mourning his death. “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,” the church stated. The congregation expressed faith in the sovereignty of God amidst deep grief, noting that Guanco is now with the Lord and free from suffering.
Guanco’s wife, Isaeli, shared poignant words from their young daughter following the accident. “Even if we’re no longer complete, in our hearts we are still a happy family,” she wrote on Facebook.
Response from the Christian Music Community
As news of the accident spread across the United Kingdom and the wider Christian community, scheduled performers and ministry leaders shared reactions. Artists including CeCe Winans, for KING + COUNTRY, and Rend Collective responded publicly to the tragedy, expressing condolences to the Guanco family and the wider congregation affected by the incident at Big Church Festival.
Festival organizers emphasized that ongoing support remains directed toward those affected by the accident. Authorities and safety regulators continue their investigation into how the stage sign came down.
