Pastor, 41, hit by falling ‘Everything’s Unmissable’ sign at Christian music festival died of blunt force trauma, inquest reveals as wellwishers raise nearly £250,000 for his family

DAILYMAIL.COM • 1h ago

By TOM LAWRENCE, NEWS REPORTER 11:51 14 Oct 2026, updated 11:56 14 Oct 2026

A pastor and father died of blunt force trauma when a huge ‘Everything’s Unmissable’ sign came crashing down in high winds at a Christian music festival, an inquest has heard.

Robert Guanco, 41, never came home from the Big Church Festival (BCF) in Steyning, West Sussex, after the large wooden archway gave way on August 28.

Another six people were injured, with four taken to hospital.

Mr Guanco, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was a pastor at Jesus Living Water Church in his local area and also worked as a health care assistant.

He was described by his church as a ‘devoted father’ to his daughter Ellie, a ‘loving husband’ to his wife Isay and a ‘blessing to so many people whose lives he touched’.

The church added: ‘His life, his faith, his love, and his service to God will never be forgotten.’

Wellwishers have rallied around the pastor’s grieving family, raising more than £240,000 for a GoFundMe page launched in his memory.

The pastor, who was born in the Philippines, died after the large wooden arch fell on top of him and several members of the public, Coroner Alex Jones told the inquest.

After a post-mortem examination, a provisional cause of death was given as ‘1a multiple severe injuries and 1b blunt force trauma’, the inquest was told.

Area coroner Joseph Turner opened the inquest and said a provisional pre-inquest review hearing would take place on March 9, 2027, in Horsham.

He said: ‘I offer sincere condolences to the family of Mr Guanco.’

It is hoped the GoFundMe page will help his family as they deal with their ‘unimaginable loss’ and ‘the practical and financial challenges that come with such an unexpected tragedy’, the organisers said.

Describing him as ‘more than a pastor’, the page states: ‘He was a beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband, a great father to Ellie and faithful servant of God.

‘He was also a good friend, mentor and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched.

‘His life reflected humility, faith, love, compassion and service. Through his ministry, kindness, prayers and encouragement, he touched many lives.

‘His passing is deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.’

Organisers of the BCF, billed as the UK’s biggest Christian festival, said they were ‘heartbroken’ and ‘devastated’ by the pastor’s death, as it cancelled the rest of the event.

The weekend festival had opened on August 28 and had been due to run until August 30.

More than 60 music artists and worship leaders were due to perform across multiple stages, including author Andrew Ollerton.

The author later revealed he and his wife were walking just a few paces behind when the sign fell. He then rushed to help lift the sign.

Mr Ollerton said he and his wife were ‘absolutely reeling’ and ‘in a bit of a shock’ after witnessing the fatal incident.

He added on Instagram: ‘With a heavy heart I’m reflecting on our personal experience of the tragic incident at Big Church Festival yesterday.

‘I want to thank the incredible team @bigchurchfest who took decisive action in difficult circumstances as well as all the festivalgoers who stayed calm and handled the news so respectfully.

‘I’m sure like me it leaves you feeling perplexed by many questions. In Luke chapter 13 Jesus brings both honest challenge and deep comfort to those facing a similar tragedy in his day.

‘Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved.’

Reflecting on the aftermath, he said: ‘I’m sure you’re waking up this morning, full of questions. Why did this happen? Why did God let this happen? That is the deeper question.’

BCF, which includes worship, music and performances, first took place in 2009.

Festivalgoers were alerted to the tragedy when the God TV Christian faith channel announced that ‘due to unforeseen circumstances’ the BCF livestream had been paused.

The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and local authority, Sussex Police have said.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh urged anyone who was among the ‘thousands of people’ who were on site on August 28 and has any information or video footage to come forward.

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