AFTER four days of partying On The Beach festival has come to an end.
Since Thursday thousands of fans have gathered on Brighton seafront to see some of the country’s most legendary acts perform.
International megastar Fatboy Slim returned to the beach for two electrifying shows to celebrate 20 years since his famous Big Beach Boutique gig in 2002.
Real name Norman Cook, the DJ was responsible for one of the largest outdoor parties to date after a quarter of a million people descended on the city’s shores two decades ago.
On Thursday revellers from around the country and the world had made the pilgrimage to this temporary dance music mecca.
And so, as Eats Everything left the stage, the tension grew, until a cacophony of cheers erupted as Fatboy took to the stage, as he also unveiled Albion’s new strip by wearing the shirt to the theme of Sussex by The Sea – a proper Brighton and Hove homage.
Flames and smoke cannons spewing up into the air from the stage, the place was buzzing, and Fatboy was having just as much fun as everyone else as he worked through a smattering of his own material, while mixing club anthems for what was a brilliant set.
The Argus caught up with Fatboy on Friday afternoon, fresh from his show on Thursday as he was getting ready for round two.
He said: “The main excitement about doing these beach gigs and the reason we try to keep doing it is because it’s a celebration of my relationship with the city. I’m proud of the city I live in, and I love it.
“It’s a two-way love affair. I love the city and the city seems to love me. To be accepted and respected in your own home like this is really beautiful, and it really works for me.
“Whenever I play in Brighton, I feel like I’m just playing to my friends at a house party because I feel comfortable with it.
“Thursday night, just shepherding all those people on to the beach, leading them into a communion of nonsense and escape. It’s kind of religious, a wonky religion.”
The third day of the festival promised a continuation of stellar dance music, and certainly delivered.
Headlined by Hove-based house and techno DJ Carl Cox, the line up was an immense offering - Nic Fanciulli, Chelina Manuhutu, Russell Small – all invited to play by Cox himself.
The day was filled with sunshine and joy on the pebbles, and as more people began to arrive, lager and laughter filled the air.
Thumping, deep bass lines echoed across the shores, while air horns and the shouts of traders selling bucket hats completed the soundscape.
Following three sold out gigs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday the festival came to a close on Sunday.
Drum and bass DJ and record producer Andy C headlined the gig and was joined by a host of other talent.
Sub Focus, Wilkinson, Shy FX, Dimension, Friction, Harriet Jaxxon and Stature all took to the stage.
Reporter Zac Sherratt, who was at all four days of the event, said Sunday was the busiest it had been so early on in the day.
"It really is packed down here, but the atmosphere is absolutely electric - you can hardly move at the front because of how busy it is," he said.
As Andy C took to the stage Zac said: “It is truly electrifying, spine-tingling and feels like one of those moments that will never be repeated.”
We want to thank readers for following our live coverage over the last few days and we hope festival goers enjoyed the event.
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