Eastbourne Pastor Named As Man Killed At Big Church Festival

The man who died after a large sign fell at Big Church Festival near Steyning has been named as 41-year-old Robert Guanco from Eastbourne.

Mr Guanco was a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne.

The church described him as a “faithful servant of God”, a loving husband and devoted father, and said a fundraiser had been launched to support his family.

Sussex Police was called to the festival site in Washington Road at around 15:38 on Friday 28th August.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said five other people were assessed and treated at the scene. Four were taken to hospital, including two with more serious injuries.

The festival was subsequently brought to an early close.

Police are continuing a joint investigation with Horsham District Council and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant video footage to come forward, quoting Operation Igloo.