Coverage from the right portrays the collapse primarily as a devastating loss for Pastor Robert Guanco’s family and church, while also pointing to unanswered questions over how the festival structure came down.

A Christian music festival in West Sussex was halted after a large wooden archway or sign collapsed on its opening day, killing Guanco, 41, and injuring six other people. Four people were taken to hospital, and organisers cancelled the remainder of the three-day Big Church Festival at Wiston Park.

Guanco, a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, was remembered by relatives and church members as a husband, father and religious leader. A fundraising tribute described him as “a beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband to Isaeli, a great father to Ellie, and faithful servant of God.”¹

The accounts emphasise the scale of the personal loss, saying Guanco’s ministry, prayers and encouragement had affected many people. His church similarly called him “a faithful servant of God” and said his faith, love and service would not be forgotten.¹

Alongside those tributes, the reporting highlights an emerging safety inquiry. Sussex Police said the incident had been referred to the Health and Safety Executive and the local authority, while investigators sought information and relevant video from the thousands attending the sold-out festival. Witness accounts cited in coverage suggested strong winds may have blown the structure over, but police were examining whether it had been properly secured.¹

Police described the incident as tragic and said they were working with partner agencies to establish exactly what happened. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, said she was praying for Guanco’s family, those receiving treatment, healthcare workers, festivalgoers, staff and organisers as they came to terms with the events.¹