Fatboy Slim has reflected on hosting the “biggest outdoor party the UK has ever seen” ahead of the release of a documentary all about it.
It has been almost 21 years since the DJ staged the Big Beach Boutique II party on Brighton seafront, which saw around 250,000 people descend on the city.
Fatboy, real name Norman Cook, spoke about the historic event for a feature-length programme on Sky Documentaries which is being released next week.
Organisers and police were expecting 40,000 people at the free event on July 13, 2002.
It ended up doubling Brighton’s population at the time.
Norman, who lives in Hove, said: “There's a kind of two-way love affair between me and the city of Brighton. But also there's a pride, I am very proud of this city.
“I think it is the best city in the world. There's something about its relaxed attitude, its tolerant attitude, and its eccentricity that I just really love. Brighton is here to be invaded and for people to have fun.”
Speaking about the aftermath of the event, Norman said: “For me it opened more doors, just in my relationship with the city.
“I kind of thought there might be sections of the community down here who would hate me.
“We almost destroyed the city, but everyone seemed to love me. From then on, everybody I meet walking down the street the first thing they’ll say is 'When are you going to have another beach party?'.
“It has been wonderful with the fullness of time and some hindsight to revisit such a seismic event in both mine and my hometown’s history. Warts and all, the story told in full…. Watch, sleep, rave, repeat.”
The Argus printed a free souvenir special after the beach party titled "Norman's Conquest".
Fatboy Slim headlined On The Beach in Brighton last year, just weeks after the 20th anniversary of his Big Beach Boutique II show.
The 59-year-old spoke with The Argus last week, revealing that he played “hip-hop jams in Hangleton” when he was younger.
Fatboy Slim: Right Here Right Now can be seen on Sky Documentaries and Now from February 4 at 10pm.
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