Tragedy at UK festival: sign collapse leaves one dead and five injured
The Big Church Festival in West Sussex was cancelled after a large sign collapsed, killing a 41-year-old man and injuring five others.
A 41-year-old man was killed and at least five others were injured after a large sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex, England. Following the incident, organizers initially cancelled the remaining Friday performances before announcing the full cancellation of the entire event.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, August 28, during the opening day of the festival at Wiston Park. All 40,000 tickets for the three-day event had been sold in advance. The Christian music festival, held annually since 2009, featured a diverse lineup including artists such as Lauren Daigle, Elevation Rhythm, CeCe Winans, Anne Wilson, Bethel Music, and For King & Country.
Sussex Police were called to the scene following reports of the structural collapse. The death of 41-year-old Robert Guanco from Eastbourne was confirmed at the scene. The local ambulance service reported that five other individuals were treated on-site, with four subsequently transported to regional hospitals—two with serious injuries and two with minor injuries.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. Police are working in conjunction with the Horsham District Council, and the UK Health and Safety Executive has been notified. Authorities have requested that attendees provide any information or video footage that may assist in the inquiry.
"Big Church Festival was designed to connect people," the organizers stated. "Tonight, this community is mourning. Our hearts are broken."
Organizers confirmed that they will provide further updates to ticket holders regarding the refund process.
