A major clean-up operation began within hours of Elton John's closing song at Sussex Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Out of a team of more than 150 workers on hand for the one-off concert, 27 were left to clean up after more than 18,000 fans.

During the afternoon concert, 500 gallons of Pimms were consumed, 4,000 punnets of strawberries eaten and more than 1,000 buckets of ice used.

It took six days to prepare for the show. Stage crew had to lay nine kilometres of cable, put up 100 tonnes of steel, and generate 40,000 watts of electricity to power 100 moving lights.

It was the first concert ever staged at the cricket ground in Hove and involved numerous meetings between the cricket club, Brighton and Hove City Council, promoters Marshall Arts and the emergency services.

A spokeswoman for the club said: "To have such a high-profile performer as our inaugural guest artist was an ambitious move.

"Not only was it a success in front of show but also the behind-the-scenes running of the event."

Inspector Kevin Claxton of Sussex Police said there had been no arrests all day and very little disruptive behaviour.

He said: "We are very pleased. It is clear that all agencies worked excellently together.

"It demonstrates to us the value of successful multi-agency working in running top-rate events in the city."

A council spokesman said they had received a few complaints about noise which paled in comparison to the number of revellers enjoying the evening.

He said: "The event went smoothly and was a great success."

Barrie Marshall of Marshall Arts said, "As promoters we have been very privileged to have been able to promote Elton John at such a wonderful ground, whose staff worked tirelessly with us to make the show a success."

Sir Elton wowed the crowds in his first concert in Sussex for 24 years, coming on stage seconds after the national football team dribbled to a win over Ecuador to ensure their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The legendary performer came on stage within one minute of the football match ending at 5.54pm.

A roar went up from the crowd to signal the team were through, followed by a second whoop as Sir Elton took to the stage in a red and black suit with the words Burning and Fire emblazoned on his jacket.