The Arkwrights were formed in 2005 as a side project by Robbie Collins and Rob 'Beer Bear' Dunne from pop punk band Uncle Blowfish. They were joined by Ben Arkwright and Josh Nunn from rock band Nefarius, and Ellie Mason from ska band Chub. The band initially intended to play only one gig with a mix of 70's covers and their own indie tunes.

With experience of playing at some of the top venues in their other bands, including the Carling Academy at Islington, it was no real suprise that The Arkwrights were an instant success at their debut gig in front of 150 fans at the Barnham Bridge Inn.

Such was the interest in the band that they decided to carry on gigging and recording music as The Arkwrights. During 2006 Susie Hargreaves and Adele Hendry joined the band as vocalists adding a retro feel and look about the setup, and quite possibly setting a trend that has been copied by many other indie bands in the last few months. Ellie left later in 2006 to go to college.

The band featured in a succession of Showcase gigs at Portmouth's famous Wedgewood Rooms during 2006 filling the venue to capacity in September. Part of the show was broadcast in Steve Lamacq's show on Radio One.

The current line up features: Ben on vocals and guitar, Bear on guitar, Robbie on Bass and vocals, Josh on drums, and vocals from Suzie and Adele.