Only Fatboy Slim could summon snow on one of the hottest days of the year.

Closing a mammoth 90-minute set with the theme from the film The Beach, thousands shouted for joy as they were sprayed with fake snowflakes and fireworks lit up the West Pier.

Sipping a vodka and orange, hours before the gig of his life, the superstar DJ, real name Norman Cook, said he wanted the Big Beach Boutique II to be remembered for its "smiling people".

True to his word, the vast majority of people had smiles on their faces all evening.

In his inimitable fashion, Norman mixed dancefloor favourites with the likes of grunge band Nirvana and had his hometown crowd in the palm of his hand.

Problems with traffic congestion aside, revellers enjoyed an incredible party.

Dozens of yachts and sailing boats drifted off the shore as the parties on board enjoyed the music booming out across the waves.

For many, the fun continued after the party with thousands going on to Brighton's clubs or impromptu house parties.

Norman himself headed straight for an after-show bash at The Grand hotel with wife Zoe. The drink flowed and Zoe could not stay away from the dancefloor.

Apart from Zoe, her father Johnny Ball, and a smattering of Norman's Brighton-based "DJ mates", celebrities appeared to be thin on the ground.

Radio 1 DJs Chris Moyles and Sara Cox danced the night away at The Grand but rumours of Kylie Minogue and Madonna showing their faces proved unfounded.

Perhaps they decided to watch it from the comfort of their living rooms, as the event was broadcast by satellite channel E4.

Pictures were also beamed up on to a giant screen behind Norman so people as far back as the Palace Pier could see what was happening on stage.

The event provided a boost for Brighton's tourist trade with many hotels, including The Grand, completely booked.

Elsewhere, off-licences throughout the city had run dry and pubs were packed.

Prior to the gig, Norman admitted feeling "jittery" as he surveyed the beach filling with excited crowds.

With the sun blazing, he held a series of interviews on the balcony of the Brighton Centre with the Press.

He said: "The best thing last year was the atmosphere. Considering the number of drunk people, there was no trouble, just smiling. I would like the same this year."

While chatting to our reporter, Norman was called by his sister who was stuck in traffic on the M23.

With six hours to go before he took the stage, roads and railways were gridlocked, such was the appeal of the event.

He said: "Everybody seems to be having ten people sleeping on their floors.

"My parents and Zoe's have both remarried and all eight parents are coming along.

"Zoe's mum works in a care home in Burgess Hill and 47 people from there are coming down as well."

Zoe and Norman's families, including their son Woody, were able to watch the show from their balcony at The Grand.

Others enjoyed a great view from the beach and road.

Bart O'Toole, from Hove, went to the show with his 11-year-old daughter Kate.

He said: "We thought it was excellent and were able to get right to the front with a little effort.

"We were able to see quite easily and did not feel crushed at all."

Last year's event was disrupted when the tide began coming in and police had to move people back.

But there were no such problems this time as Norman said he had had a "word with God" to stop the tide coming in until the end of his set.

As the city slowly woke up to another beautiful day yesterday, the clear-up work was beginning on the beach.

The seafront was knee-deep in beer cans, Bacardi Breezer bottles and assorted crisp packets.

People were starting to sift through and bag the estimated 100 tonnes of rubbish.

The stage was being dismantled and life gradually returned to normal.

Whether another free party will be held next year remains to be seen but the DJ promised people would be able to relive the excitement with a CD of the event hitting the shops soon.

Environmental consultant Paul Kimber, 28, from Chichester, said: "I missed it last year and everyone said that was good but this was just amazing.

"There was a sort of tension in the crowd because people were worried about crushing. But everyone was really good-natured and up for it. It was a truly fantastic night for everyone."