Pastor Killed by Falling Arch at Christian Festival

A beloved pastor, Robert Guanco, aged 41, tragically passed away due to blunt force trauma after a wooden arch fell upon him and six others at the Big Church Festival (BCF) near Steyning, West Sussex. The Philippines-born father of one sustained multiple severe injuries when the structure collapsed on August 28. Six other attendees were injured, with four requiring hospitalization.

Authorities are investigating whether the arch was adequately secured, as witnesses suggested strong winds may have caused the collapse. Pastor Guanco was remembered by his church as a faithful servant and loving family man. His widow expressed being overwhelmed by the support shown since his passing. A GoFundMe page established to aid his family has garnered over £243,000 in pledges toward its £250,000 goal.

The Big Church Festival, founded in 2009 and billed as the UK's largest Christian music festival, had all 40,000 tickets sold. Organizers stated they were heartbroken and devastated by the incident, leading to the cancellation of the event's remaining activities. The Archbishop of Canterbury offered prayers for Pastor Guanco's family, the injured, and all affected by the tragic events.