Pastor Robert Guanco, 41, from Eastbourne, died when a large wooden arch collapsed onto a temporary road and struck several festival-goers at the Big Church Festival (BCF) near Steyning, West Sussex, on August 28, an inquest has heard. Six other people were injured in the incident, four of whom required hospital treatment.
Inquest opened in Brighton
An inquest into the incident opened in Brighton on Wednesday and was adjourned until a pre-inquest review on March 9, 2027. Coroner's officer Alex Jones read out a statement revealing that Mr Guanco was born in the Philippines, worked as a health care assistant and was married. He confirmed Mr Guanco died while attending the festival, saying: "A large wooden arch has fallen over a temporary road, landing on several members of the public."
Following a post-mortem examination, the preliminary cause of death was listed as "1a multiple severe injuries and 1b blunt force trauma", the inquest heard. Area coroner Joseph Turner commenced the inquest and announced the provisional pre-inquest review hearing in Horsham, saying: "I offer sincere condolences to the family of Mr Guanco."
Tributes and fundraising
Mr Guanco was honoured in a tribute from the Jesus Living Water Church Eastbourne, as supporters established a GoFundMe page to assist his family. Over £243,000 has been donated on the page, nearing the goal of £250,000. He was fondly referred to as "our beloved pastor Robert" in a heartfelt tribute from his church, which read: "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. His life, his faith, his love and his service to God will never be forgotten."
The fundraising page describes him as "more than a pastor", being "a beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband, a great father to Ellie and faithful servant of God". It added: "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."
Festival cancelled and investigation
The BCF, known as the UK's largest Christian festival, cancelled the remainder of the event, with organisers saying they were "heartbroken" and "devastated by the serious incident". The festival, which began on August 28, was scheduled to run until August 30. BCF, featuring worship, music and performances, first took place in 2009.
Festival attendees were informed of the incident when the God TV Christian faith channel declared that "due to unforeseen circumstances" the BCF livestream had been paused. The Health and Safety Executive and local authority have been notified about the incident, according to Sussex Police. Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh has called on anyone who was among the "thousands of people" present on site on August 28 and possesses any information or video footage to step forward.
