DJ Norman Cook will not be allowed to repeat his widely-acclaimed beach concert next summer if councillors follow their officers' advice.

Organisers of the spectacular Big Beach Boutique II, which attracted more than 250,000 people to Brighton beach in the summer and brought the city to the brink of chaos, are being told next year is too soon to stage a repeat.

They have been in talks with the authorities ahead of a meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council's culture committee on Thursday when members will consider a review of outdoor events in 2002.

Although the huge outdoor free show by the Hove-based star, alias Fatboy Slim, was widely hailed as a success, there were worries about the size of the crowd and fears for people's safety.

Councillors have been advised to rule out the show until problems of crowd control have been addressed.

Chris Holm, resort services manager for the city council, said in a report that the show had raised concerns about how free events were publicised and stage-managed.

He said: "The impact of this year's event is still at the forefront of people's minds.

"It is generally felt that the summer of 2003 would be too soon to stage another large-scale music spectacular on Brighton beach.

"However, no one is ruling out the potential for such an event to take place in future years subject to agreement by all appropriate parties."

The number of people attending the event was vastly more than expected, causing chaos for the emergency and transport services.

Traders reported large profits as revellers besieged bars, restaurants and takeaways but had to deal with the mess and damage caused.

City centre manager Tony Mernagh said: "We should not be afraid of holding another event like this. We just have to be certain we can limit the numbers to the capacity the beach can stand."

He called for a ticketing system and better public transport arrangements.

Green councillor Keith Taylor, who wanted an inquiry into this year's event, said: "The council has a responsibility to ensure public safety at all events.

"The gig, while enjoyed by many people, came close to disaster."

Organisers of the event have been in talks with council officers and are expected to meet for further discussions next month.

A spokesman for the DJ and his record label Southern Fried said they were unable to comment.

Mr Holm said two other free events had been held since the concert without any problems - the Pride Festival in Preston Park and the Stella Movie Classics on the beach.

A successful innovation during the summer was beach soccer, which attracted some international football stars. Players voted Brighton the best venue they played at on the international circuit.

More than 200 film shoots took place in the city over the year although, unlike in previous years, there were no blockbusters.

Brighton and Hove also caught the imagination of advertisers with commercials for Vodafone and TV series The Sopranos.