Rockaway Beach 2025: A Preview
Rockaway Beach, the indoor festival experience held at Butlin’s Bognor Regis, has already sold out all rooms for its 2025 edition, a testament to its growing popularity. This preview will delve into what attendees can expect from this unique winter weekender.
A Lineup of Diverse Sounds:
Headlining the 2025 event are three distinct acts. Leftfield, pioneers of electronic music, ignite the dancefloor with a pulsating set of techno and house. Ride, stalwarts of the shoegaze scene, conjure their signature wall of sound and swirling guitars, promising a nostalgic and immersive experience. Spiritualized, led by Jason Pierce, craft a transcendent atmosphere with their blend of psychedelic rock and gospel influences.
Beyond the headliners, the lineup bursts with diverse talent. Arab Strap offer their melancholic narratives and introspective soundscapes. BODEGA’s art-punk energy and witty social commentary make for a high-octane performance. Georgia’s infectious blend of electronic pop and R&B gets the crowd moving. Hamish Hawk’s sharp lyricism and folk-infused melodies provide a more intimate and reflective counterpoint.
Katy J Pearson’s folk-pop and Liz Lawrence’s electronic-tinged indie further enrich the bill. Pete Wylie and The Mighty Wah! inject a dose of classic post-punk energy. Ruts DC channel their punk and reggae roots. Sprints’ raw and energetic punk sound adds a jolt of intensity. DJ Chris Hawkins keeps the energy flowing between sets and into the late hours.
The lineup also features a host of exciting emerging and established acts: ARXX, Bloodworm, CLT DRP, The Dirt, Ebbb, The Itch, The Jonny Halifax Invocation, Lime Garden, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Meryl Streek, Miki Berenyi Trio, Mim Grey, THE NONE, The Pill, and SOAPBOX. This breadth of talent ensures a diverse sonic landscape throughout the weekend.
The Rockaway Beach Experience:
Rockaway Beach offers a unique festival model. The ticket price includes both accommodation and access to all music and events, making it a convenient and all-encompassing experience. Held in January at Butlin’s Bognor Regis, the festival offers a welcome escape from the winter weather, with everything conveniently located indoors. Attendees stay in hotels, chalets, or apartments within the Butlin’s complex, eliminating the need for camping.
The festival offers more than just live music. Attendees have access to Butlin’s facilities, including a swimming complex (with scheduled parties), Q&As with artists, silent discos, film screenings, pub quizzes, record signings, and other activities. Optional extras, such as arcade games and bowling, are also available. A vinyl fair and official merchandise stalls offer opportunities for shopping. Various food and drink options are available on-site, catering to different tastes.
Music typically starts around midday each day (slightly later on Friday) and continues until 1 am, with DJs and parties extending into the early hours. The festival aims to minimize stage clashes, allowing attendees to see as many acts as possible across the two main stages, which are located within a short walk of each other.
The festival emphasizes a safe and inclusive environment, with a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of hate, aggression, or discrimination.
In Summary:
Rockaway Beach offers a unique winter festival experience, combining a diverse musical lineup with the convenience and comfort of an indoor holiday park setting. The all-inclusive ticket model, combined with a range of additional activities and facilities, creates a well-rounded and engaging experience for attendees. Though 2025 is sold out, those interested should sign up for updates on future events.
