Inquest opens into death of pastor at Big Church Festival

An inquest has opened in Brighton regarding the death of 41-year-old pastor Robert Guanco, who died following a structural collapse at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex on August 28. The hearing confirmed that Guanco, a healthcare assistant and pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, died from multiple severe injuries and blunt force trauma after a large wooden arch fell across a temporary road. Six other individuals were injured during the incident, four of whom required hospital treatment.

Following the tragedy, festival organizers canceled the remainder of the event and expressed their devastation. Horsham District Council is currently conducting an investigation into the collapse, with officials stating that multiple lines of inquiry remain active. A pre-inquest review is provisionally scheduled for March 9, 2027.

Guanco’s widow, Isaeli, expressed hope that the investigation will provide clarity and prevent future accidents. The church community has honored Guanco as a faithful servant, and a fundraising campaign established to support his family has raised over £243,000.