Fatboy Slim party is a hit

Crowds flocked to Madeira Drive in Brighton to witness Hove-based DJ Norman Cook perform at Big Beach Boutique 3, which passed off with none of the controversy or tragedy which marred the same event more than four years ago.

Two people died after Big Beach Boutique 2 on Brighton beach in July 2002 and the emergency services admitted they were completely overwhelmed by the 250,000 people who turned up to see the spectacle.

However, yesterday there were no serious injuries reported during the six-hour event, which started at 2pm.

Police said there were 20 reports of minor injuries and five people had been arrested at the gig, two for assault, one for public order offences, one for being drunk and disorderly and one for being wanted on warrant.

Ion Track devices, which detect traces of drugs on people's hands and body, were used by police to test people going into the event but no arrests were made for drugs offences.

During the show big screens either side of the stage flashed up Yes To Falmer, a reference to Fatboy Slim's beloved Brighton and Hove Albion's battle to get a new stadium.

Organisers, Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove City Council and Fatboy Slim himself all said they were pleased with the way the event unfolded and indicated further Big Beach Boutiques could now follow.

Norman said: "I love the people of Brighton. They stood there and took everything the elements could chuck at them and still partied on.

"Playing in Brighton, to a local audience, is the best way to start 2007. Roll on Big Beach Boutique 4."

TV presenter Zoe Ball, Norman's wife, told The Argus before the show: "My husband has been ill all day with nerves. He's now managing to hold things down."

City council leader Simon Burgess said: "Its a great tribute to everyone - the council, police and Norman's management. We've all shown real determination to overcome all the concerns there were after the second Beach Boutique.

"I'm delighted the city hosted such a successful and safe event and that everybody had a great time in spite of the weather. All thanks should go to the agencies and the organisers for their hard work and planning.

"It has been a very Brighton evening. The crowd went crazy to Fedde Le Grand's I Love This City - Brighton. Residents here know how to have a good time regardless of the weather and Norman and the crowd are right - this is a fantastic city."

Event organiser Jim King said: "We are delighted the event went according to well-laid plans and everybody enjoyed themselves. We would like to thank all parties involved in helping to make Big Beach Boutique 3 a great success."

Chief Superintendent Kevin Moore said: "The success of this event is entirely due to the meticulous planning that has taken place over the past six months.

"This planning was possible due to the co-operation of the organiser and the support and willingness of all agencies working closely together to bring about this safe event. Given the scale of the event, there were only five arrests and about 20 people were treated on site for minor injuries."

Revellers told The Argus they had a fantastic time. Sam Twomey, 21, a student from Coventry, said: "I had a really great night. The DJ David Guetta was good but Fatboy Slim was amazing.

"The only problem was that I spent a quarter of my time in the drinks queue and it got quite aggressive."

Stuart Lynn, 28, a carpenter from Coldean Lane, Brighton, said: "It was an awesome night."

Anna Bartlett, 22, a mental health nurse from Coventry Street, Brighton, said: "It was brilliant but the rain did get to me a bit just before Fatboy Slim came on.

"But just as he came on stage I was like Woooo!'"

IT worker Andy Gladdis, 31, from Hanover Street, Brighton, said: "It was fantastic. The only down point was that the speaker stack where I was standing broke down so I couldn't hear the music quite as well."

To see photos of the show taken by our photographers, click here. Or check out pictures sent in by fans.

To watch our video of the party, click here