Bognor Regis is buzzing with sporting excitement and cultural energy as the town’s women’s football team kicked off their new campaign in style, while the region also gears up for a world-class music festival. The Bognor Regis Town Women’s side launched the 2025-26 London & South East Regional Women’s League Division 1 South season with a determined 2-1 victory away at Leatherhead, setting the tone for what could be a pivotal year in their quest for promotion. Meanwhile, anticipation is already building for the return of the Hospitality Weekender 2026, the ultimate indoor drum and bass getaway, which will once again transform Butlin’s Bognor Regis into a festival village early next year.
The Rockettes, as Bognor Regis Town Women are affectionately known, showed grit and flair in their league opener. After a tense first half, the breakthrough came in the second period with Kate Delillis and Lou Lou Robson both finding the net to secure the win. Their goals not only earned three valuable points but also sent a message to the rest of the division: this squad means business.
Manager Billy Bromley has been busy during the off-season, strengthening the squad with a mix of experience and youth. The arrival of former Pompey attacker Bec Bell adds attacking firepower, while ex-Worthing defender Keavy Price and highly regarded Ellie Jefkins, formerly of Chichester City, bolster the back line. The team isn’t just relying on outside recruits; three promising youngsters have been promoted from the U16s setup, joining a core of players retained from last term. This blend of fresh faces and familiar talent is already paying dividends on the pitch.
"We’re thrilled with how the new signings have settled in," Bromley said after the match, according to local reports. "Everyone’s hungry to go one better than last season. The aim is promotion, and this win is a great start." The Rockettes narrowly missed out on moving up last year, but with a deeper squad and renewed determination, hopes are high among players and supporters alike.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see the team in action on home turf, although there’s a temporary twist. With Nyewood Lane undergoing a major upgrade—a new 3G pitch is being installed—the Rockettes’ first home fixture will take place at Selsey FC. The match against Hastings is set for Sunday, August 31, with a 2pm kick-off. The change of venue hasn’t dampened spirits; if anything, it’s added a sense of adventure to the opening weeks of the campaign.
"The new pitch at Nyewood Lane is a fantastic investment for the future," said club officials. "In the meantime, we’re grateful to Selsey FC for hosting us. We’re focused on building momentum, wherever we play." The team’s loyal supporters are expected to travel in numbers, eager to see if the Rockettes can continue their winning ways against a competitive Hastings side.
Off the field, the town is preparing for another major event that’s set to put Bognor Regis on the map for music lovers across the UK and beyond. The Hospitality Weekender 2026 will return to Butlin’s Bognor Regis from January 30 to February 2, 2026, following an unforgettable debut. This isn’t just any music festival—it’s an immersive, indoor celebration of drum and bass culture, featuring over 100 artists and transforming the 60-acre resort into a non-stop party village.
Headlining the bill is Hedex, making his highly anticipated Hospitality debut. The festival will also showcase a unique back-to-back set from Kasra and Samurai Breaks, a first-time collaboration between Valve Soundsystem and Virus Recordings, and a special Drum & Bass Classics segment celebrating the genre’s rich roots. Big names such as Metrik, Roni Size, DJ Hype, and Flava D are also on the epic lineup, ensuring that every corner of drum and bass will be represented.
The festival isn’t just about the music. Attendees can enjoy a range of amenities, from comfortable on-site accommodation (with packages starting at just £252 per person) to a dazzling array of bars, restaurants, and takeaways. There’s an on-site supermarket for essentials, a 24-hour arcade for late-night fun, waterpark pool parties, and a £15 million indoor activity centre—all designed to keep festival-goers entertained around the clock. After a full day and night of raving, guests are just steps away from their beds, making this a perfect winter escape for music fans.
Butlin’s Bognor Regis is ideally located for visitors, being just over an hour from London by train, with easy access via the M25 or Gatwick Airport. Maya De N’Yeurt of Undivide & Hospitality Weekender captured the excitement, saying, “After an unforgettable debut, we’re beyond excited to bring Hospitality Weekender back to Butlin’s in 2026. For one weekend only, the South Coast becomes our very own drum & bass village, a space where every corner of drum & bass is celebrated, with something for everyone. Now the blueprint’s been laid, we’re pushing to deliver an even bigger, better, and more unforgettable edition. We can’t wait to welcome you back once again in January.”
With its blend of world-class music, luxury accommodation, and non-stop activities, the Hospitality Weekender promises to be a highlight of the winter festival calendar. Tickets are expected to sell fast, as fans from across the UK and beyond look to secure their place at what’s quickly becoming a must-attend event for drum and bass aficionados.
Back on the football pitch, all eyes are on the Rockettes as they prepare for their first home game of the season. The squad’s new signings and youthful energy have injected optimism, and the opening day victory at Leatherhead has set a confident tone. The temporary move to Selsey FC is just another chapter in the team’s evolving story—a story that could end with the long-awaited promotion if current momentum continues.
Bognor Regis may be best known for its seaside charm, but this season, it’s also a place where sporting ambition and cultural celebration collide. Whether you’re cheering on the Rockettes as they chase glory or dancing the night away at the Hospitality Weekender, there’s no shortage of reasons to keep your eyes on this vibrant coastal town in the months ahead.
As the Rockettes look to build on their opening win and as festival-goers prepare for an epic winter escape, Bognor Regis stands ready to deliver unforgettable moments—both on the field and on the dancefloor. With new beginnings and big events on the horizon, the town’s spirit is as lively as ever.
