Carl Cox plays at Brighton's On the Beach festival

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 happiness on the pebbles, and as more people began to arrive, lager and laughter filled the air.

Thumping, deep basslines echoed across the shores, while airhorns and the shouts of traders selling bucket hats completed the soundscape.

The beach was packed

The demographic was certainly a little older than it had been for Fatboy Slim who played the previous two nights. Groups of friends I spoke to on the beach were trying to relive those days in the Nineties spent at illegal raves – and were having just as much fun as they did back in the day.

One partygoer was heard shouting “I’m an old school raver” – and that pretty much sums it up. People who had come to see Carl play knew what they liked and were not there just for the day out.

And I am sure they would have been happy with what they got.

As the sun began to drift lower in the sky, and pastel colours scattered above us – Carl joined us and provided two of the finest hours of heavy house and techno I have witnessed.

On the Beach festival

There were considerably fewer people lining Marine Parade to watch him compared with the previous two nights, however the atmosphere was no less intense.

It was a proper day out for heavy dance music lovers – and the weekend is only due to get harder.

Today is the last day of the four day weekender, with drum and bass hero Andy C topping yet another bill of strong acts.