Even a few hours of rain couldn't keep the crowds away. Thankfully, the Rox crew overcame the delay caused by the rain and soon had the show running smoothly and efficiently.
There was plenty to do for the whole family and the bars and crafts surrounding the arena helped to create a true festival atmosphere. All of the bands put in great sets and it was clearly a major experience for some of the younger performers.
Those who braved Sunday's showers were re-joined by more Rox supporters in the evening to catch Hugh Cornwell's set which cleverly interspersed tracks from the new Hooverdam album with some of the old Stranglers classics.
Hugh Cornwell joins Rox Patrons!
Hugh and his band played an energetic set on the Sunday which included tracks from his new album 'Hooverdam' whilst cleverly interspersing classic songs from the Stranglers throughout - much to the delight of the huge crowd in the arena at the Royal Norfolk Hotel.
Hugh said, "Over the years, I've played at many festivals and the way this one has been run is on a par with most of them. The way that it features so many unsigned and local bands is really good but the fact that it is completely free is pretty unique and is something Bognor Regis should be proud of". Hugh agreed to become a patron when he learned of the charity's other plans and activities and offered to support wherever possible.
ROX2008 Artists
Gary Grainger's All Stars Blues Band
The Difference
The Feel
Deborah Bonham
Nakedium
The Golgi Apparatus
Dropzone
Soul Intention
Golden Boulder
Doppler Shift
Hymaglobin
Lauren Halliday
Collyde
Hugh Cornwell's Band
Bigtopp
Fancy Toys
Graham Neil's Band of Wolves
Bognor's Big Swing Band
Poopahs
Banjaxed
Renegade Cowboys
Mark Handley
Rox Stars
Roger Clayden's Classical Crew
Kim Slade
In 1991 two individuals decided that there simply weren't enough venues in the town for young people to play music. An impromptu stage was erected on the promenade and local bands were invited along to play for free to whoever happened to be around at the time. That first year attracted an audience of about 150 people and their reaction was so positive that it was decided to repeat the exercise the following year.
Year on year the Festival grew attracting, quite literally, thousands of people over the two or three days. And, they weren't all simply just music lovers but a complete representation of the whole local community who looked on it as their annual excuse to get together on the seafront and have a great time.
Each year, Rox try to make the event better than before and attract bands and artists from all over the world. The combination of professional and amateur artists produces a fantastic off-stage ambience for all the performers who are able to mix and relax, and indeed, learn from each others skills and experiences.
Now, the Rox Music & Arts Organisation see the Festival as the celebration of everything that we do culminating in one massive party for the town which brings together families, the young, the 'not so young' and our multi-cultural society for a weekend of music, art, sound and colour.
If you would like to contact Rox our contact details are as follows:
3 Railway Cottages
Bognor Regis
West Sussex
PO21 1JB
Cheers to all, plus we NEED YOUR SUPPORT ON THE SOUTHCOAST BOTB **FINAL** 24th JULY THE SWAN WOOLSTON (CAN'T BELIEVE WE DID IT)
STUFF COMING UP: 11 Jul 2009 (Studios London) 11 Jul 2009 VMax Fest (Chris guitar/drums) 24 Jul 2009 The Swan (THE SOUTH COAST SHOWCASE FINAL) 08 Aug 2009 Private - The Rock Wedding 22 Aug 2009 Wittering Festival 23 Aug 2009 Nyodema Festival (Charity for Gambia) 29 Aug 2009 The Walled Gardens 12 Sep 2009 (Private Gig) 18 Sep 2009 The White Horse 19 Sep 2009 The Swan, Woolston 09 Oct 2009 The Family Tree
Burn The Evidence are a four piece Alternative Rock band from The Brighton area. The Live EP was released back in Febuary and is availible from our online store, follow the link on our myspace page www.myspace.com/takingyoudown check the page for the latest news, pics and live dates.
hello!
as you know, i got through to the live stage of Live and Unsigned
and now it's a text vote to get to the finals!
im currently second and i need to keep that spot so please help me!
text WILDCARD 110 to 84222 before wednesday 8th april!
also check out my new song 'Cantar y Bailar' on my page, it's Spanish-y ;)
cheers!
daisy xxx