The 41-year-old pastor of the Jesus Living Water church in Eastbourne, England, Robert Guanco, died after a large wooden sign fell at a Big Church festival (BCF) on Friday August, 28.

Six other people were injured during the incident, including four who were taken to hospital, two with serious injuries and two with minor ones.

BCF is known as the United Kingdom's largest Christian music festival, with over 40,000 attendees each August. The 2026 edition included well-known artists, such as CeCe Winans, Lecrae, For King & Country, Lauren Daigle, Elevation Worship, amomg others.

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After the tragedy, organisers cancelled the remainder of the three-day event. They issued a statement, saying they were “devastated” by the loss of pastor Guanco.

“First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened. Particularly with the family, friends and church of Pastor Guanco as they process the immense grief of his loss”, read the statement.

Organisers also confirmed that they “are working with the police, the Health and Safety 2 for the tragedyExecutive and others, as they establish the circumstances surrounding the incident”.

Christian response

The UK Evangelical Alliance (EAUK) called on Christians to “join us in praying for for the man who lost his life, his family, the injured, those due to attend, emergency responders, the churches present, and for our staff who were at the event. May peace and comfort be with them all”.

All of us @EvangelicalAlliance invite you to join us in praying for everyone affected by the tragic incident at @BigChurchFest - we pray, for the man who lost his life, his family, the injured, those due to attend, emergency responders, the churches present, and for our staff who…

— Evangelical Alliance (@EAUKnews) August 29, 2026

Its UK director, Peter Lynas, said he was “so sad to hear about this tragic accident at Big Church Festival. Praying for the family of the man who died, those who are injured and all involved in the Festival”.

The archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, was also “sad and shocked” by the incident.

“I pray for his family, friends and loved ones as they grieve; for those receiving treatment and the healthcare workers looking after them. And I pray too for the other festivalgoers, staff and event organisers as they come to terms with these tragic events”, she added.

Churches Together in England (CTE) also expressed their “deep sadness” for the tragedy. ”We stand with the whole church in our nation in collective grief”, they pointed out in a statement.

“Our heartfelt prayers go out to the family of the pastor, his congregation and all who knew and loved him, to the other people injured and to many others traumatised by this accident”.

Tribute from his church

Jesus Living Water church confirmed the death of pastor Guanco in a statement, describing him as “a faithful servant of God, a loving husband to Isaeli, 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”, it stressed.

They are “mourning, grieving, praying, and trusting in the Lord during this incredibly difficult time”. Although “there are many things we may never fully understand, and our hearts may struggle to make sense of what has happened”, “even in our deepest sorrow, we continue to trust in the sovereignty of God”.

The church has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family of the pastor after their “unimaginable loss”.

"Alongside the deep grief of losing a husband, father, son, and brother, they are also facing the practical and financial challenges that come with such an unexpected tragedy", states the text of the campaign.

That is why they ask everyone to" join us in surrounding Isaeli, Ellie, and their wider family with love, prayers, and practical support during this heartbreaking time”.

The GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than 198.500£ and is expected to reach 220,000£.