Weekend with a difference as the Bognor Rox returns

Having celebrated its 25th year of ‘providing community music and arts access to Bognor Regis and surrounds’, last year – 2016’s offering is somewhat different.

Despite the premise being the same, and a huge weekend of free entertainment throughout the town, ‘the inevitable shortfall in community arts funding’ has been blamed for a ‘smaller scale’ festival from July 30 to 31.

Since the decision to cancel the main festival, Robin Parker, marketing director, said: “The Rox crew have been working in the background to bring an eclectic line up of music to be hosted in various partner venues throughout the town.”

He explained this will see well known, and loved, elements relocated, such as ‘the traditional folk/acoustic’ Secret Garden Stage which will now be found in Hotham Park.

Alongside ‘around 30 acts’ appearing over the weekend, Mr Parker said: “There will also be a variety of stalls and kids’ entertainment, a real ale bar and food outlets to ‘enhance’ the ambience of the chilled out Secret Garden, which has proven popular with those wanting to enjoy the quieter side of Rox.”

The Concept Stage is also relocating and will now be housed in Legends Bar, where ‘a full line up of live bands will feature throughout Saturday interspersed with DJs Spencer Chapman and Shelly Mack’.

On Sunday, Eddie Stenner will take over with his ‘master class’ of DJs, many of whom, Mr Parker revealed, have featured in the Rox weekend in previous years.

Mr Parker said: “The William Hardwicke will be running the successful Ibiza Rox on Saturday which was trialled at the festival last year. In the evening, Mud Club reforms for a special session which will also be giving a nod to Prince with special dance tracks.

“It’s all change on Sunday as live bands take over for the day.”

“The Claremont in West Street will also host a mixture of DJs, and live entertainment over the weekend. So there’s plenty going on and music to appeal to all tastes.”

Venue lists, times and information can be found by visiting www.roxmusicandarts.org.