It has been one week since the tragic incident at Big Church Festival that claimed the life of Pastor Robert Guanco and left others injured.
For years, Big Church Festival has been a major part of the UK Christian music calendar, bringing thousands of people together for worship, music and fellowship. What began in 2009 as Big Church Day Out has grown into a gathering that has welcomed Christian and Gospel artists from the UK and around the world.
The festival has also created opportunities for emerging artists and creatives, giving them the chance to share the same space and stages with some of the biggest names in Christian music.
This is why the events of Friday, 28 August have been particularly difficult for many to process. A weekend that people have come to associate with worship, celebration and community ended in tragedy after a large sign fell at the festival site. Pastor Robert lost his life and several others were injured.
In the days that followed, some of the artists and creatives who were due to take part in the festival were seen on social media still wearing their artist wristbands, with some saying they were not ready to take them off.
It was a simple gesture, but one that showed just how much the events of that weekend had stayed with those who were there.
At the centre of this one-week reflection is Pastor Robert Guanco and the family and community he leaves behind.
Our hearts remain with his wife, daughter, family, church and everyone who knew and loved him. We pray that God continues to give them strength and comfort as they grieve.
And just as the words of Jesus remind us in Matthew 5:4:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
That comfort is also our prayer for everyone else carrying the weight of what happened that weekend. We continue to pray for those who were injured, those who witnessed the incident and everyone else affected by what happened.
A GoFundMe campaign has also been set up in memory of Pastor Robert to support his family. For those who would like to stand with the family in a practical way, you can support the campaign below.
Support Pastor Robert Guanco’s Family
Big Church Festival has given the UK Christian community many memorable moments over the years. This year will be remembered for very different reasons, but one week on, our thoughts remain first and foremost with a family mourning the loss of a husband, father and loved one.
AStepFWD continues to stand with Pastor Robert Guanco’s family and church at this difficult time.
May Pastor Robert Guanco rest in perfect peace.
