Photo: Sam Walton
Charlatans, Getdown Services, SPRINTS lead first wave of acts for Rockaway Beach 2027
The independent festival Rockaway Beach has confirmed the first wave of artists for its 2027 edition, taking place at Butlin's Bognor Regis site in January. Headliners include The Charlatans and The Twilight Sad, with Getdown Services and SPRINTS sharing a co-headline slot on the Friday night.
Now in its 12th year, the weekender has built a reputation for mixing established acts with emerging names. Previous editions have featured Fontaines DC, Suede, Young Fathers, Fat Dog, and Sleaford Mods. Capacity remains around 3,600 people across the site, with organisers noting that 75% of tickets and rooms have already been snapped up following three consecutive sold-out years.
The Charlatans, whose career spans 14 albums and three #1 records, will appear as Saturday headliners. Festival founder Ian Crowther said: “The Charlatans have soundtracked so many of our lives. Forty years on they’re still creating amazing new music. I don’t know how they did it, but last year’s album was one of their best.”
The Twilight Sad, currently touring with The Cure, take the Sunday headline slot. Crowther described them as “an almost overwhelming force on stage”, adding: “When I heard the first tracks from their new album I knew that now was the right time for a headline performance at Rockaway Beach.”
Friday’s
co-headline bill features Bristol wordsmiths Getdown Services and Dublin
post-punk force SPRINTS. Crowther said: “For the first time, we’re
showcasing a co-headline programme on the opening night giving two bands
the status they deserve. Getdown Services and SPRINTS share a punk
attitude and energy that sets them apart.”
Other acts confirmed include Cockney Rejects, Bis, Alien Chicks, Cowboy Hunters, Mouth Ulcers, Nightbus, Pigeon, and BBC 6music DJs Chris Hawkins and Steve Lamacq. Many more names are yet to be announced.
The festival takes advantage of a new live space at the site called Studio 36, featuring upgraded sound and visuals. Other venues include Centre Stage and REDS for club performances and late-night parties. Beyond music, the programme includes Q&As, record signings, a record fair, silent discos, day raves, pub quizzes, and access to Butlin's swimming complex and spa.
Accommodation is included in ticket prices, starting from £99 per person for three nights.
Find out more at www.rockawaybeach.co.uk
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