The UK’s largest Christian music festival was canceled Friday after a falling sign killed one person and injured six others, according to an announcement from their social media.
Big Church Festival is a sold-out three-day event that drew more than 38,000 people this year, and included performances by Lauren Daigle, CeCe Winans, For King + Country, Lecrae, and Bethel Music.
On Friday, Pastor Robert Guanco of Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne was killed after being struck by a large falling sign near the stage, which also injured six others.
A GoFundMe set up to support his wife and daughter has raised more than $169,000 USD against a goal of $190,000 USD.
A public statement posted to Big Church Festival’s website reads:
We are devastated by the serious incident that took place at Big Church Festival 2026, in which Pastor Robert Guanco tragically lost his life and others were injured.
First and foremost, all of our thoughts are with those who have been affected, their families and friends, and everyone who witnessed what happened. Particularly with the family, friends and church of Pastor Guanco as they process the immense grief of his loss.
Following the incident, we made the decision to bring Big Church 2026 to a close for the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
We are working with the police, the Health and Safety Executive and others as they establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who responded, and to our teams and community for the care they have shown one another.
Big Church Festival is about bringing people together. At the moment, that community is grieving. Our focus remains on those directly affected by what happened.
We are heartbroken.
