Police hail festival a peaceful success story

Nearly 30,000 people attended the free festival over the course of the weekend to catch a glimpse of some up-and-coming acts and to watch Neville Staple from the Specials bring everything to a climax on Sunday.

Police said the venue, at the Royal Norfolk Hotel, enabled them to have good control on crowd numbers and effectively monitor any potential alcohol-related disorder.

Police were also able to maintain the integrity of the drinking control zone and allow sensible drinking within the event boundaries.

"Overall it was a well-run, safe and enjoyable weekend and the event passed without any real associated problems," said Inspector John Merrick at Bognor Police Station.

"Again the event was good spirited and a pleasure for officers and staff to be involved with. It enabled the police to be involved with the community in a different way, but still ensuring the safety and security of those attending."

Insp Merrick said the police received a positive response from members of the public.

He added: "The success of Rox 2009 is testament to the thorough planning and preparation by the organisers in consultation with the emergency services and local authority. I will look forward to 2010."

The free festival gives many unsigned acts the chance to showcase their talents on a fantastically huge stage. This year saw 50 acts play the Rox on one of three stages, the Main Stage, the Pavilion Stage and the U-Stage.

Neville Staple from The Specials headlined on Sunday and the Temple Hedz wrapped things up the day before.

An art show and some stalls were sprawled out across the promenade as part of the Rox Fringe, including a kite-flying arena for the children and a health garden.

Organiser for the festival Steve Goodheart said: "There were quite a few areas that were different this year. We try to improve different elements and this year we improved the PA sound-system and had a far superior light show.

"We had a purpose-built mobile stage which gave a more theatrical feel. The artists also had more performance space. The U-Stage was bought in this year for alternative sounds. It was a dance stage and another genre we could offer.

"The vibe had a much bigger feel to the whole gig. The partnership with the hotel is working really well."

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