ONE of Europe’s biggest beach parties was held 15 years ago right here in Brighton, when Fatboy Slim held the Big Beach Boutique.

Around 250,000 people attended the event, more than four times the number of party-goers expected.

Thousands of people who were left stranded by inadequate transport services continued to party into the night.

Police reportedly considered cancelling DJ Norman Cook’s set but, fearing a riot, allowed it to go ahead with the proviso he finished 30 minutes early.

A total of 160 people had minor injuries, 11 people were taken to hospital, with police arresting six people - a small number in comparison to the amount of revellers who turned up to enjoy the unique party.

There were also reports at the time that people who had ventured into the sea during the party had to be rescued.

At the time, Fatboy said: “I felt very stressed because at one point I thought my nightmare scenario, that I might be responsible for someone being hurt or killed, was coming true. I was really rattled.”

The event was a huge success despite some media outlets reporting the “chaos” created by the original event.

It has been held another four times since the first beach party in 2001, with the last being held at the American Express Community Stadium.

The Hove DJ said the success of his two historic gigs at the £100 million ground proved that the Amex could be a top music venue.

Fans made their way to the stadium by foot, bike, car, taxi, shuttle bus and public transport to enjoy seven hours of music from a line-up of DJs hand-picked by Fatboy himself.

Do you recognise any of the party-goers pictured above during the first few parties held on the beach?