wrath of at least one neighbour.

The longtime Southampton resident, who has lived within a mile of the beach for nearly 20 years, said yesterday he will complain to the Environment Minister, the Tourism Minister, and the Deputy Governor.

"I could hear the reggae music and the rest of it as if it was in my front yard,'' said the man, who did not wish to be identified.

And he expected guests at area hotels were also kept awake. "I don't know what kind of message we're sending to visitors.'' He called Police to complain at about 3 a.m. and was told officers would attend "in a few moments'', he said.

But the loud party lasted another hour, when it apparently broke up on its own.

At 4 a.m., a large number of young people on cycles "pack raced'' away from Horseshoe, creating the sound of a 747 aircraft, he said.

The man said he was "not a killjoy'', but was upset with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for allowing the beach to be used for such a party.

A crew from the department was cleaning up the site on Sunday morning at public expense, as youth who spent the night on the beach straggled home, he said.

A young man who attended said that concerts called "Ladies Night Out'', featuring deejays, were held at the beach both Friday and Saturday nights.

Tickets were $30 at the door and $20 in advance, and alcohol was sold, he said.