Two of Bognor's key players have lots to celebrate

The volunteers behind Rox and the resort director of Butlins have combined to mark their respective time in the town.

It is 50 years since Sir Billy Butlin opened his holiday camp along the seafront '“ on July 2, 1960 '“ to create one of the most famous British sites for tourists in the country. Millions of holidaymakers have since made the journey there.

This year alone will see 480,000 day and staying guests walk and drive through its gates.

Rox is a more recent arrival '“ in 1990 '“ and the music and arts festival has also established its place on Bognor's entertainments calendar.

The latest festival takes place on September 18 and 19 on the front lawn of the reopened Royal Norfolk Hotel. Some 30,000 music and arts fans are expected to attend.

But it is only able to go ahead thanks to the backing of sponsors such as Butlins. Resort director Jeremy Pardey ensures plenty of help to the festival's organisers.

This includes security guards, security barriers and entertainment equipment.

He said: "Rox is important to Butlins and the community because it brings everybody together. It gives people another reason to visit Bognor."

Rox founder Steve Goodheart said: "We would be struggling without the support of Butlins. Take all the help from big and small businesses away and Rox would not happen because the amount of support we get from local councils is derisory.

"I'm delighted Rox has made it to 20 years. When I started it, I didn't think it would make it to a second year."

Butlins is staging only modest celebrations of its golden anniversary in Bognor. The company is involving its guests in the low-key events. The main one are the golden tickets placed at random under their pillows or plates.

These entitle the holder to a special treat such as meeting a star performer, free meals or being able to perform on stage.

Mr Pardey said major celebrations would be held next year.

"That is the 75th anniversary of the Butlins brand and we thought it would be confusing to have a 50th celebration one year and a 75th the next," he explained.

What do you think? Click here to send a letter to [email protected] or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP