Around 2,000 people from the local community take part in the parade (Photo: Ray Gibson)
When: 21st December 2016 from 6.30pm
Where: Brighton, East Sussex
£: Free to watch. After party tickets cost £10
What is it?
Burning the Clocks is an annual community event in Brighton. The event takes place on the winter solstice with a fantastical procession bringing magic to the streets. The parade of luminous lanterns attracts around 2,000 participants and over 20,000 spectators.
Held on the shortest day (or longest night) of the year, this growing tradition marks the passing of time by ‘burning the clocks’ and welcoming in the new sun. This popular event aims to turn the spotlight away from the more commercial side of Christmas and light up the darkest of winter nights.
Burning the Clocks was created by Same Sky in 1994 as a way for the whole community to enjoy the festive season, regardless of faith or creed. Each year a new theme, related to the concept of time, is incorporated into the event to bring new and exciting elements.
The theme for this year is Nonsense, and communities, families, and artists will be making some fantastic lanterns for the event. Visitors who would like to take part in the parade can buy a lantern making kit for £25-£28, with all the materials needed to make two lanterns.
On the 21st December, the parade will leave from New Road at 6.30pm and arrive at Madeira Drive at approximately 7.15pm. The parade route will include North Street, Ship Street and East Street, before reaching the seafront and Madeira Drive for the finale. For the finale, the lanterns are passed onto a bonfire and a fireshow begins.
The event finale consists of a spectacular fireshow (Photo: Ray Gibson)
Spectators can view the fireshow from Madeira Drive and the Upper Terrace on Marine Parade. Please be aware that the finale will contain loud music and pyrotechnics. The event should finish at around 8pm.
Those that wish to carry on with the festive evening for a bit longer, can join the after party at Patterns on Marine Parade. There will be live bands and DJs.
Same Sky is a community project that relies on help from local businesses and members of the public. You can get involved with the Burning the Clocks event by making a donation, becoming a Friend, or volunteering your time.
More info: www.samesky.co.uk/events/burning-the-clocks and www.facebook.com/SameSkyBtn