VOTE: It's off '“ popular Rox festival postponed until September

THIS year's Rox Music and Arts Festival in Bognor Regis has been dramatically postponed.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jun 2010, 10:53 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 17:46 BST

The organisers of the free event have cancelled its original date

of July 24 and 25 with just six weeks to go.

They have shifted the popular occasion to September 18 and 19. The festival will remain on Bognor seafront.

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The decision has been made because of the uncertainty which surrounds the intended location of the Royal Norfolk Hotel. The hotel has stayed shut since February 28.

Attempts to sell it are still under way but it is unknown when it will reopen.

A Rox spokesman said: "We are moving the festival due to circumstances beyond our control. We have not taken this decision lightly.

"Throwing a free community party for 30,000 people is a huge responsibility. We apologise to the many people involved who may need to change their plans, but we know this is the right thing to do for our anniversary Rox celebrations."

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Rox started in 1990 and was traditionally staged on The Esplanade in front of the pier. But a change was enforced after the 2001 event as the number of acts and spectators grew spectacularly.

After a period at Fontwell Park racecourse, as well as Bognor FC, Rox went back to the pier area in 2007 before it began to be staged in the grounds of the Royal Norfolk Hotel the next year.

Both that event and last year's occasion went successfully to prompt a planned return this summer.

A revised licence application has been submitted to Arun District Council to enable Rox to go ahead on its new dates.

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The spokesman said 'close and constructive' dialogue about the matter had been held with the council and the police.

The festival will remain on Bognor seafront but the exact location has not been revealed as talks are ongoing.

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