Robert Guanco, a 41-year-old pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex, died from multiple severe injuries and blunt force trauma when a large wooden arch fell on him at the Big Church Festival near Steyning, West Sussex, on 28 August. An inquest opening at Woodvale Coroner's Court in Brighton on Wednesday confirmed the fatal injuries sustained in the incident. Six other people were injured when the structure collapsed.
The arch, which bore the inscription "Everything's Unmissable", was blown over by wind during the festival. Witnesses described people rushing to lift the heavy structure after it fell. The Health and Safety Executive provided specialist assistance to Horsham District Council's investigation into the incident, which remains ongoing with a number of lines of inquiry still being pursued.
Guanco was also employed as a healthcare assistant. His funeral service was held at his church on Friday, where mourners paid tribute to his character and faith. One attendee described him as "a beautiful soul who touched our lives profoundly", while another noted that "we all looked up to him because of his faith and dedication." His widow Isaeli said he had "never wasted a minute of his life" and expressed being "overwhelmed" by the support received since his death.
The Big Church Festival, a sold-out three-day event that expected approximately 40,000 attendees, was founded in 2009. Organisers were reported to be "heartbroken" by the tragedy and cancelled the remainder of the festival following the incident.
What do authorities say about the investigation?
Horsham District Council is continuing its health and safety investigation into the circumstances of the collapse. A council spokesperson stated that "a number of lines of inquiry are still being pursued." The involvement of the Health and Safety Executive underscores the seriousness of the inquiry into how the structure failed and what safety measures were or were not in place.
What broader safety concerns has this raised?
The incident has highlighted gaps in safety oversight for public events. The government's inspectorate warned that public-safety arrangements for non-sporting events lack consistent statutory guidance, and recommended a government review alongside 36 recommendations for police forces. This suggests that the tragedy may prompt wider changes to how event safety is regulated and enforced across the country.
How has the community responded?
A fundraising page established for Guanco's widow Isaeli and their daughter has raised more than £243,000, demonstrating substantial community support for his family. The response reflects the impact Guanco had on those around him, with many describing him as a "big brother" figure to all who knew him.
What happens next?
Area Coroner Joseph Turner offered his "sincere condolences" to Guanco's family and adjourned the inquest. A preliminary inquest review is scheduled for 9 March 2027, when further details about the circumstances of his death are expected to emerge.
Key Facts
- Robert Guanco, 41, died from multiple severe injuries and blunt force trauma when a wooden arch collapsed at the Big Church Festival on 28 August
- Six other people were injured in the incident; four were taken to hospital for treatment
- The arch was blown over by wind; the festival was a sold-out event expecting around 40,000 attendees
- Horsham District Council and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident
- A preliminary inquest review is scheduled for 9 March 2027
