Ticket holders for Big Church Festival 2026 have been given the option to request a refund or donate the value of their ticket, weeks after the Christian festival was cancelled following the death of a pastor.
However, organisers have stressed that submitting a refund request does not mean ticket holders will necessarily receive a full refund, or that a refund will ultimately be paid.
The festival was brought to an early end on 28 August after a large sign fell at the event, leading to the death of Eastbourne pastor, 41-year-old Robert Guanco, and injuring six others.
In an email sent to ticket holders on Tuesday, organisers explained that the festival costs millions of pounds to stage, with substantial costs already committed or incurred before it was cancelled on the first day of the three-day event.
The message read: “The difficult reality is that the Charity is not in a financial position to provide payments to ticket holders who might be entitled to receive some refund. We also cannot yet say with certainty whether that will change or when. Even if all those who bought tickets chose to donate their ticket value, Big Church would face significant financial uncertainty. We know this may be difficult news to hear, but we want to be transparent.
“We recognise how disappointing this will be, and we are genuinely sorry.”
The charity added that for those who want a refund, their request and entitlement to a refund will be assessed “as part of the charity’s ongoing processes”.
In an earlier email to the charity’s partners on Tuesday, BCF thanked its supporters and said their financial situation relating to the 2026 event would be dealt with separately from ticket holders.
“We appreciate that you will understandably want clarity on your position and will be in touch as soon as we can,” the email read. “We are sorry for the uncertainty and difficulty this may cause, and we are grateful for your patience and understanding as we walk through what is a very challenging situation.”
The organisers said they hoped the festival could continue, although there is still “a great deal” to work through before its future can be determined.
The update comes as Pastor Guanco’s loved ones prepare for his funeral this Friday.
“Our hearts and prayers remain with Pastor Robert's family and friends, particularly this week as they hold his funeral this Friday,” Big Church Festival said.
“Also, our thoughts are with those who were injured and everyone affected by what happened. They remain at the forefront of our prayers.”
A GoFundMe campaign, launched by Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne with Pastor Robert’s wife, Isaeli, as beneficiary, has raised more than £241,000.
