Rox May Return To Seafront

Written 07/03/03

The popular Rox festival could be on its way back to Bognor Seafront, after last year's event was held at Fontwell.

Rox organizers met with Bognor Town Council's festival committee to discuss the issue. Proposals were put to the committee, comprised of councillors and co-opted members. Proposals are believed to involve joining with the Council's Bognor Live! entertainment festival.

Nothing has yet come of the meeting. Any decision of the committee has to be approved by the full town council, which will meet within the next fortnight.

Committee chairman Roger Nash, said that there were a number of issues to be resolved before Rox could return to its original venue.

The town council is already spending in the region of £20,000 on the Bognor Live! festival, now in its second year. Last year's Bognor Live! came about as a result of the sudden loss of the Rox festival.

Crowds estimated at up to 60,000 were seen at the peak of Rox 2001, and the return of the Rox festival to Bognor Seafront would be welcomed by the 10's of thousands of supporters, whose protests and petitions were many and varied. The views of a minority of local businesses and residents effectively scuppered 2002's event.

Last year's Rox, held at Fontwell Park Racecourse, attracted between 12,000 and 15,000 people. Debate rages over whether the clash with the nearby Goodwood Festival of Speed, or the location were to blame for the low (by 2001 standards) attendance.

Rox organizers have ruled out a return to Fontwell Park, but were quick to rebuff rumours of a 5 figure fee demanded by Fontwell Park management for the hosting of this year's event.

Other possible locations for this year's event include venues in Chichester, making Rox in the City a possibility.