Fatboy Slim beach shows celebrate love of Brighton

Fatboy Slim says bringing his Big Beach Boutique shows back to Brighton is a "celebration of the relationship with the city that I love", as he continues a run of four nights of shows.

The world-famous DJ and Hove resident, real name Norman Cook, returned to Brighton beach on Thursday for the first summer show 24 years after an estimated 250,000 people descended on the beach in 2002.

Cook, 62, told BBC Radio Sussex he was "ecstatic" to be doing the shows, adding he enjoyed the buzz that the big events brought to Brighton.

He said: "We don't do it every year because it wouldn't feel special."

Cook added: "The nights on the beach are a celebration of the relationship with the city that I love. I'm so proud of the city, and hopefully it is proud of me.

"There's an atmosphere, and you know when the Fatboy fans are here, just like when the bike ride is on, or the mods are in town."

Cook said his current run of shows, which was extended to include a fourth night due to demand, was the first time he would have performed four times on back-to-back nights.

He added that, despite concerns from his management, the run of performances will not be an issue.

"It's the travelling that knackers you out," he added. "I will have a day at home, play a show, and be in bed by 11."

Cook's relationship with Brighton extends further than his Big Beach shows - the Praise You DJ has also played at Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex Stadium in Falmer, and until 2025 owned the Big Beach Cafe in Hove.

He has received two Brit Awards and an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.

Fan Paula Willcock, who atteneded he first gig in the four-night run with her husband, said: "It's great to relive our youth.

"We saw him many years ago before we had children."

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