The Eastbourne Christian community will gather next month to remember Pastor Robert Guanco, who died after a large structure collapsed during the 2026 Big Church Festival in West Sussex.
Guanco, 41, was a pastor and elder at Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne. His death on August 28 left his family, congregation and the wider Christian community mourning.
His funeral has now been arranged for October 9, 2026, at King’s Church in Eastbourne, with a livestream planned for those who cannot attend in person.
Death at Big Church Festival
The incident occurred on the afternoon of Friday, August 28, at Wiston Park near Steyning.
Sussex Police said officers were called at around 3:38 p.m. after receiving reports that a large sign had fallen at the festival site on Washington Road, injuring several people.
A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne was pronounced dead at the scene. Guanco was later identified by Jesus Living Water Church as the man who had died.
Several other people were injured. South East Coast Ambulance Service said six patients were assessed and treated at the scene, with four later taken to hospitals.
The festival was subsequently brought to an early end following the tragedy.
Remembered as a Pastor and Family Man
Jesus Living Water Church identified Guanco as one of its pastors and elders and paid tribute to his life of Christian service.
The church remembered him as a faithful servant, loving husband and devoted father. Those mourning his death have also highlighted his kindness, friendship and commitment to helping others.
Churches Together in England also expressed condolences following the incident, recognizing the impact of Guanco’s death on his family, congregation and the broader Christian community.
His Wife and Daughter
Guanco is survived by his wife, Isaeli, and their daughter, Ellie.
A fundraising campaign was created to assist the family following his death, including help with funeral-related expenses and their immediate needs.
The appeal has received considerable support from members of the church community and others touched by the tragedy. By late September, the fundraiser had reportedly passed £237,000.
Those supporting the campaign have remembered Guanco in several roles, including husband, father, son, brother, pastor, friend and mentor.
Funeral Set for October 9
The family, friends and members of Guanco’s church community will have an opportunity to pay their respects at his upcoming funeral.
The service is scheduled for:
Date: October 9, 2026
Venue: King’s Church, Eastbourne
Livestream: Available for those unable to attend in person
The livestream will allow people outside Eastbourne and others unable to be physically present to participate in the service.
Further information about the exact service schedule and additional arrangements had not been provided in the available material.
Investigation Continues
The circumstances surrounding the collapse remain under investigation.
Sussex Police have appealed to witnesses and anyone who may have relevant video footage from the festival to come forward. The Health and Safety Executive and the local authority have also been informed.
The death was caused by the injuries Guanco sustained in the falling-sign incident. No separate medical cause of death has been reported.
A Life of Faith and Service
For those who knew Robert Guanco, his story is being remembered alongside his years of Christian ministry and his relationships with family, friends and members of his congregation.
His death at the Big Church Festival brought an unexpected tragedy to an event attended by many people, but the tributes that followed have focused on the life Guanco lived and the people he served.
His funeral at King’s Church will bring together those closest to him as they remember his faith, family life and contribution to the Eastbourne Christian community.
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