Fatboy Slim has confirmed he will perform on Brighton beach for 20,000 Sussex people in September. Reporter Andy Whelan looks at the economic impact the concert will have on the city and how the authorities expect to cope with the crowds.

Fatboy Slim's Big Beach Boutique 4 will be a bonanza for the Brighton and Hove economy, according to business leaders.

Although DJ Norman Cook's September show will last for one night only, the benefits for the city will last for an entire year.

Businesses say the concert will attract huge numbers of visitors to the area.

Fatboy Slim this week announced tickets for Big Beach Boutique 4 will go on sale on Monday. He also revealed plans to make the concert an annual event.

The gig would follow the same all-ticket format as the one held in torrential rain on Madeira Drive on New Year's Day 2007.

Tickets for the September 27 gig will only be available to people with credit cards registered to a BN postcode, which includes Brighton and Hove and the area between Littlehampton and Eastbourne.

Tony Mernagh, chief executive of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, said: "The concert is again only for people with BN postcodes but anything that brings 20,000 people into the city will have a knock-on effect on the economy, especially for bars and restaurants.

"It is a welcome addition because it is a national and even international newsworthy event, which obviously raises the profile of Brighton and Hove.

"It means even if people don't come for the concert, they could visit afterwards because Brighton and Hove will be in their consciousness.

"In this way you cannot just measure the benefits in terms of the money the concert will bring in on the day."

Hotelier Roger Marlow, of Paskins Town House in Charlotte Street, Brighton, said: "On the same weekend as the concert we have a food festival on the seafront and a big horse racing fixture so the city would be busy anyway.

"But the concert is fantastic publicity for Brighton and Hove and that will last all year. It is an international event which will put the city on the map.

"The long-term effects of this concert are fabulous and that is why it is so important."

Police said they were prepared for the party to become an annual event.

Officers insisted they had learned from the mistakes of 2002, when 250,000 revellers brought the city to a standstill.

After the 2002 free party, 25-year-old London nurse Karen Manders died having taken party drug ecstasy.

Brighton Inspector Andy Kundert said: "The concert at New Year in 2007 was a great success because of the meticulous planning. We are confident 2008 will be just as successful because we have learned just how vital planning is to ensure the event runs smoothly.

"We have got a great relationship with the organisers and council and if any issues arise before the day we will be able to tackle them."

Insp Kundert also said it was likely more stewards would be employed at the concert site, meaning fewer police would be needed than in previous years.

Event manager Jim King organised the 2007 concert and expects September's show to be equally successful.

He said: "Last year's event was a huge success and there is no reason to suggest this won't as well.

"It was raining last year but it is likely the weather will be better. But come rain or shine it will go ahead.

"We have a good relationship with the local authority and police, which will help it run so smoothly.

"It is only for Brighton residents because that was what Norman wanted and also because it helps us organise it and avoid the scenes of 2002."

Bus and train companies said they were considering running extra services on the concert day.

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus Company, said: "We have got quite a good network of services running on a Saturday in any event but if there is a big event going on in the city it can create a need to supplement the routes.

"In the past we have added extra services from Brighton Marina and Preston Park during major events such as Pride, Party in the Park or after the fireworks.

"We haven't made any plans at the moment. It is something we would probably have a look at closer to the time."

A Southern Railway spokesman said: "It is something we are discussing. It is looming largely on our radar and is part or our strategy discussions. We haven't made any decisions yet but we will think very seriously about it because the number of people will increase.

"If we don't put extra trains on we will consider strengthening them by putting extra carriages on."

Tickets go on sale on Monday. Each buyer will be able to purchase six of the £35 tickets.

They are available over the counter at Brighton Dome box office in New Road, Brighton, and at www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.ticketline.co.uk.