The Happiness Experiment: Fatboy Slim Brings Science, Sound and Smiles to The Old Market
Hands up! Fatboy Slim pictured amongst the crowd during The Happiness Experiment at TOM. Photo by Chloe Hashemi.
This September, The Old Market played host to something truly extraordinary, an event that was part gig, part experiment and entirely unforgettable to those who attended.
The Happiness Experiment, led by none other than Brighton’s own Fatboy Slim, transformed our venue into a living laboratory of joy, connection and sound.
For one night only, the legendary DJ also known as Norman Cook turned The Old Market into a testbed for happiness itself. This was no ordinary gig. It was a deep dive into the science of music: exploring how rhythm, melody and shared experience affect our emotions and strengthen human connection. The result was an evening that blurred the lines between performance and participation, where every beat was a data point and every smile was a result worth celebrating.
Exploring the Science of Sound
At the heart of The Happiness Experiment was a simple but powerful question:
"Why does music make us feel so good?"
Scientists have long studied the neurological effects of rhythm and harmony, how certain sounds release dopamine, synchronise heartbeats and trigger emotional highs. But experiencing that science live, with one of the world’s most iconic DJs at the helm, was something else entirely.
Fatboy Slim’s set was a seamless fusion of art and research. Lights pulsed in time with the crowd’s movements and every track seemed to unlock new waves of emotion. Between mixes, moments of reflection encouraged audiences to think about what was happening inside their own minds and bodies that shared a rush of euphoria, the sense of belonging, the unity of a room full of people moving to the same beat.
As Norman himself put it, "Music connects us in ways words never can." The night was proof of that.
The Night of Joy, Connection and Community
From the moment the doors opened, The Old Market buzzed with anticipation. Guests were invited to take part in playful “happiness tests” from collective dancing and laughter exercises to sound experiments designed to measure emotional response.
As the first beats dropped, the crowd’s energy became electric. Smiles spread like wildfire. People who had never met before were suddenly dancing together, arms in the air, completely lost in the music and the moment. It was impossible not to be swept up in the sense of joy and togetherness that filled the room.
What made the night even more special was its focus on community. The Old Market has always been a place where creativity, innovation and connection thrive. The Happiness Experiment captured that spirit perfectly. It was a celebration not just of music, but of Brighton itself, its vibrancy, its open-heartedness and its love for collective experiences that lift the soul.
Fatboy Slim’s Gift of Time and Talent
Perhaps what made The Happiness Experiment most remarkable was Fatboy Slim’s generosity. Norman donated his time entirely to make the event possible, a gesture that reflects his ongoing commitment to Brighton’s creative and cultural scene. For decades, he’s been an ambassador for the city’s unique energy, from beachside DJ sets to intimate local events like this one.
His willingness to bring something experimental and deeply human to The Old Market is something we’re truly grateful for. It wasn’t about fame or spectacle; it was about curiosity, kindness and connection. It was about seeing what happens when you mix science with soul and when you invite people to be not just an audience, but active participants in an experiment in happiness.
The Power of Shared Emotion
One of the most striking takeaways from the evening was the visible transformation in the crowd. As the music swelled and the visuals danced across the space, you could see the emotional shift happening in real time, the tension of the everyday melting away, replaced by laughter, movement and pure release.
It was a live demonstration of what researchers have long known: that music doesn’t just entertain us, it changes us. It reduces stress, strengthens social bonds and taps into something deeply primal within us. In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, The Happiness Experiment reminded us of the power of coming together through rhythm and joy.
Looking Ahead
As the final track faded and the applause filled the room, there was one shared feeling among everyone present: a desire to do it all again.
Here at The Old Market, we’re endlessly proud to have been part of such a groundbreaking and heartwarming event. The Happiness Experiment perfectly captured what we strive to create in every show we host: connection, curiosity and collective joy.
We extend our deepest thanks to Fatboy Slim for bringing this beautiful project to life and for choosing to share it with our Brighton and Hove community. His generosity, creativity and genuine warmth embody everything that makes this city so special.
We truly hope to welcome The Happiness Experiment back to The Old Market in the future. Because in a world that often feels fast-paced and fragmented, evenings like this remind us of something essential: happiness isn’t just an emotion. It’s something we create together, one beat at a time.