The annual ZoukOut dance party held at Sentosa on Saturday night drew a record crowd of 18,000 people.

The party was touted as the region's most spectacular dance party and from the look of it, it sure was a night to remember.

18,000 people danced from dusk to dawn to the sounds of the biggest artists in the electronic dance music scene.

Local bands, who had their own designated tent for the first time, also played to full crowds.

Meanwhile those looking for alternative entertainment tried dunking the girls, stretching their legs on the Euro Bungee, or just going for a spin.

Into its fifth year running now, ZoukOut is seen by local clubbers to be the most important event in the annual party calendar.

Internationally too, ZoukOut is fast becoming famous.

Dillion Singh, a tourist from London, said: "We have come all the way from London to check this out. We have heard this is the place to be tonight in Asia, and we were travelling around Asia and we made a special trip to Singapore just for Zoukout."

Armin Van Buuren, an international DJ, said: "Singapore is one of the top ten cities in the world to play the music that I play. I've been touring all of Asia. For dance music, Singapore may be the capital of Asia."

35 per cent of the clubbers at this year's event were foreigners, a five per cent jump from last year.

Many had come on tour packages organised jointly by budget airline ValuAir and Zouk.

And it is party experiences like ZoukOut that can contribute towards Singapore's aim of being the entertainment capital of Asia.

The set-up at the Sentosa party costs Zouk over $1.2 million.

Zouk also spent $350,000 to advertise the event.

It staged contests and pre-ZoukOut parties at clubs in various neighbouring countries. - CNA/ir