No to Rox 2003 in Bognor

Written 17/03/03

Rox 2003 will not be held in Bognor. That was the decision of Bognor Regis Town Council's festival committee.

The blow was softened by the possibility that a return to Bognor in 2004 is a possibility.

The festival committee, a mix of members of the community and councillors, felt that planning for the Bognor Live! event was too advanced to allow the Rox to be integrated into the event. Rox organisers were hoping to join in with the Bognor Live! event as a means of coming back to Bognor.

The Rox presentation had been carefully considered, according to Bognor councillor Roger Nash. "The festival committee agreed that to bring this element into Bognor Live! 2003 at this late sate would cause too much pressure on the organisers" he said. "The committee would like to thank Rox for their presentation and would be happy to talk with them among others about the 2004 event and beyond".

Rox 2003 could still be held in Bognor, but would be a one day event with a single stage.

The 15 strong Rox organisers would like the 2003 festival to take place on one of the days set aside for Bognor Live! It's unlikely that the organisers, who are registering Rox as a charity, would see any return on the event.

The Bognor Rox event will not conflict with other Rox events planned for Chichester in July. Another may still take place at Fontwell Park and there is even talk of an event in Worthing.