We had been waiting for it since 2019, and then well yeah, we all know what happened. But this only contributed to making Southport Weekender’s return even more special, and the comeback was most definitely greater than the setback.
A bit of background
Southport Weekender is a brand I have known about since I was too young to attend. Starting in 1987, Southport is the UK’s longest-running dance music weekender. After initially moving around up north, it finally found its longest home at the Pontins site in Southport. It then had a few years at Minehead, which in my opinion, was not only too far but also way too big, and it lost some of the intimacy for which Southport is known. So it’s back after a seven-year absence, and Butlins in Bognor is the perfect place for it.
Southport’s longevity in the game means that it’s a well-recognised and respected brand that you can trust, and the organisation is, generally speaking, superb.
What was it like?
It was a f’in great weekend (so much so that I barely took any pictures!) and the blowout we all needed! For the first time in a while, I felt that intimacy that there was when the weekender was at Pontins, and you could better connect with people. Minehead being almost double the size, in my opinion, was too much of a drastic change and I feel it lost some of its essence.
Bognor feels perfect. It may be that everyone was just so desperate to get out and enjoy themselves after the past two years, but the energy was off the scale. The staff and security did it just right. They had the perfect attitude, and you get back what you put out. They were professional but had a human touch and enjoyed their work and danced and connected with us.
It was great to see both old faces and new (shout out to man like Dave from Essex – a proper geezer!) and many revellers flying in from far and wide, from Europe to New York, all in the love of music.
It was the most musically diverse event I’ve attended for a while, which brought the best from each genre who showcased why they are the godfathers and originators of the scene. From old skool to new, from the innovators of drum n bass to Dj’s spinning the icons of the disco era. From afternoon garage sessions to bumpy sexy house and foot shuffling jazz.
Many of us were at the start of some of these DJs’ journeys and have grown with them in the emergence of what was once a new scene – Fabio and Grooverider, Norris “Da Boss” Windross and Creed. We witnessed some of the masters at work in Kenny Dope and Louie Vega and legends such as Kerri Chandler. Add to that, Dimitri from Paris could turn even the most macho men into disco divas – lol! Josh Milan and Dawn Tallman dug deep and delivered stellar vocal performances, and Children of Zeus had us feeling divine vibrations!
The energy was palpable, and you didn’t have to be a headline act to be one of the best sets of the weekend – take a bow, The Journey Men. Everyone brought their A-game, and the energy was unrivalled.
Getting there
From London, it’s an easy train journey from Victoria. You can pick up a return in advance for as little as £10. It takes roughly an hour and 45 mins direct.
From Bognor station, you can easily pick up an Uber or taxi, but it’s only a 15-minute walk to the Butlins site.
Check-in
Upon arrival, you can register from 2.00 pm in Studio 36. Though initially informed that hotel check-in was at 3.00 pm, it was actually at 4.00 pm.
There are limits to how much alcohol you can take with you, but they weren’t too strict on this. In any event, there is a fully stocked and reasonably priced shop on site. The prices at the bar are reasonable too.
Accommodation & facilities
We had Hotel Gold accommodation for two, which was at the Shoreline. It was perfect for us, and I have opted for it again. It’s conveniently only a stone’s throw away from all the goings-on.
The room was spacious, with twin beds and plenty of storage. There was a separate area with a kids’ bunk for added space. The seating area had a sofa and Juliet balcony.
Our room on the third floor had a good side view of the sea and over the complex. Towels and toiletries are provided, as is a mini-fridge, TV, tea and coffee making facilities and safe. There was also a microwave on each floor.
I was initially disappointed that I didn’t get the two-person self-catering gold apartment advertised until I discovered that no such accommodation existed. This was an error on Southport’s side as there is only self-catering for four people and up. There are also deluxe suites for two, which are split level apartments but with no kitchen.
There’s a wellness Spa where you can schedule appointments in advance, and you can go for a dip at the pool party. There is also a cinema area, bumper cars and fairground rides on site.
Food
Foodwise it’s pretty much as I expected. No disrespect but it’s Butlins. Expect an abundance of beige food, and if you’re vegetarian or pescetarian, it’s pretty dismal. That said, who cares, it does the job, and we’re not there for the culinary delights.
So what is there?
Burger King, fish and chip shop and Papa John’s. The beachcomber serves up pub grub, and the American diner burgers and wings etc. There’s also the firehouse grill for flame-grilled dishes. There are no dining plans available for this weekend, but the hotels provide breakfast.
Beware that if you choose to dine outside, the seagulls are vicious and will grab food out of your hand.
Scheduling DJs & live acts in Woov
You can download and use the Woov app for this event. Here you will see the full timetable and can make your own schedule (which you will no doubt not keep to). You will be alerted before your scheduled act goes on stage. It’s also handy for keeping in touch with the community, helpful tips and can be quite entertaining at times.
Though you will schedule who and what you want to see, it’s also good to be open. You may be pleasantly surprised. As we are lovers of music, we recognise talent no matter the genre.
Going next year?
Priority was given to those who attended this year, and tickets flew out while everyone was still on a musical high. It goes on general sale today, Monday, 28 March, and though it is still possible to book, you may not get your first choice of accommodation. Two-person and platinum accommodation seem to go first (probably because there’s not much of them), and apparently, 4000 tickets were sold in the first 24 hours.
In reality, you won’t be spending much time in your apartment. There’s too much to see and do. And for those that have experienced the Southport Weekender when at Pontins, we know that Butlins is a luxury no matter what accommodation you get.
Going solo?
Although I did not attend this one alone, it’s easy to do so. Contact Nikki, who heads up a Southport Weekender single Travellers group on Facebook, and she will help you out.
Room for improvement?
Of course! But I take my hat off to them for an excellent return. I do think they could have more live acts such as headliners we have seen in previous years in the likes of Jill Scott, Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Chaka Khan, Tribe Called Quest, Angie Stone – yeah, you get what I’m saying Southport Weekender, you need to bring that back. Also, I didn’t feel that afro-house was represented, so it would be nice to see this rectified next year.
Overall though, what a weekend!
