Burning The Clocks 2012 to go ahead

Burning the Clocks, Brighton’s unique community ritual celebrating the shortest day of the year, has been given the go ahead for 2012.

For almost two decades, the event has been lighting up the streets of Brighton with local residents parading the paper and willow lanterns they’ve made through the city, before passing them into a huge bonfire on the beach. The coming year is then ushered in with a dazzling fire show during which a massive fire sculpture is ignited, live music plays, and fireworks light up the sky.

Same Sky, Brighton’s community art charity, created the event to act as an antidote to the excesses of the commercial Christmas and as a way for the people of Brighton to celebrate the festive season, regardless of faith or creed. Over 20,000 spectators now turn out to watch the 2,000-strong parade and take part in this unique tradition.

This year’s Burning the Clocks will be particularly special as it will celebrate Same Sky’s 25th year of existence. The charity, which also produces the Brighton Festival Children’s Parade, was set up in 1987 on the Moulsecoomb estate and, ever since, has been creating imaginative events and workshops to strengthen communities, inspire individuals and brighten people’s lives.

Burning the Clocks is partly funded by Brighton and Hove City Council but the charity have to find the majority of funding themselves to make the event go ahead each year. Sharon Mee, Same Sky’s Community Manager said: “Every year people tell us how special Burning the Clocks is and we’re working really hard to make sure it continues.” She added: “Many small charities are finding things hard at the moment.”

The charity will sell lantern packs and run a crowd-funder this year to raise money and will be holding a fundraising auction and performance evening on Thursday 4th October at the Hilton Brighton Metropole. They are currently looking for local businesses to donate prizes for the auction or who might be interested in sponsoring Burning the Clocks. They ask anyone interested to get in touch on 01273 571106 or at info@samesky.co.uk

Burning the Clocks takes place on 21st December. The event is free and the route is suitable for all ages and abilities.