Hotel base as Bognor Rox returns to seafront

The latest annual celebration of music and arts will take place on August 2 and 3.

This will be its second year back in its traditional home after a period of six years away.

But the main stage will be based on the front lawn of the Royal Norfolk Hotel for the first time facing out to sea. All the catering for the festival will be based at the hotel.

The second stage will remain in its usual position outside the Royal Hotel as the Rox attractions extend from the Pixie Hotel westwards.

The Steyne Gardens will again feature an art exhibition among the host of other Rox activities such as workshops.

The festival was launched at the Royal Norfolk Hotel. It is subject to a public entertainment licence being granted by Arun District Council.

Steve Goodheart, a Rox founder, said: "We could have 40 bands again performing over the weekend, depending on the hours we are allowed to have the stages in action.

"Anyone interested in taking part should contact me at the Rox Office at 3 Railway Cottages, Upper Bognor Road, Bognor Regis."

Bognor Regis Big Band had been booked. Felpham Community College and Edward Bryant Primary School in Bognor had already said they wanted to take part, he stated.

Kevin Swadling, of the Royal Norfolk's operator, Christ for the Nations UK, said: "Hosting Rox is all about us putting something back into the community.

"We want bring more people into the hotel.

"There's a feeling that the Royal Norfolk's always been there and it has never changed.

"But it has changed and we want to show people we do different things here now."