Boogie on down to Fontwell Park Racecourse for Rox 2002 - the South's largest free music and arts festival.

Last year, more than 60,000 people flocked to the event which was held on Bognor beach.

This year, the event has been moved to a bigger, more accommodating venue to allow for greater crowd safety and comfort.

The festival is now in its 12th year and organisers believe variety is the key to its continuing success and popularity.

Terry Slade said: "What started as a small, half-day gig featuring local bands has grown into a two-day, must-visit festival hosting artists from all over the world and representing and embracing all art forms."

This year, festival-goers can expect the hottest acts from both the local and international music scene.

Saturday gets off to a rocking start with local band Johnny4, looking to beat last year's cracking performance with a new set of gutsy, guitar-fuelled songs.

London-based group Anti-Product will also be making an appearance, fresh from completing a tour with Ozzy Osbourne, and Deborah Bonham, sister of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, will be playing R 'n' B-style rock with her band.

Sunday begins gently with chilled-out blues, reggae and soul but heats up later with some chunky, hip-hop beats.

But Rox 2002 isn't just about music. A fringe festival will offer poetry, 3D artistry, canvas works, sculpture, dance, drama and comedy.

As well as enjoying the live music and viewing the art exhibits, there's also a chance to get involved yourself. People can take part in 50-minute music workshops run by Sainsbury's in the Rhythm Tent.

The workshops vary in subject matter from drumming and Latin percussion to chanting and calling.

Led by music all-rounder Rob Paton, the workshops are designed to be fun, educational and energetic. With something on offer for everyone, the Rox 2002 festival looks set to rock again.

Performance times are as follows:

Saturday: The Yellow Stage: noon-10pm; The White Stage: 1pm-10pm; The Red Stage: 12.30pm-10.20pm.

Sunday: The Yellow Stage: 1pm-9.30pm; The White Stage: 1pm-9pm; The Red Stage: 12.30pm-9.50pm.

For more information and travel details, visit the official web site www.the-rox.com
Preview by Matthew Keegan, features@theargus.co.uk