Last night, the city of Brighton came alive with the vibrant and much-anticipated ‘Burning of the Clocks’, a unique community event that marks the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. Organized by Same Sky, the event celebrated its return with a spectacular theme of ‘Clocks’, symbolizing the community’s evolving perception of time.
Thousands of residents, adorned with handmade paper and willow lanterns, gathered for a parade through the city’s streets. These lanterns, made from kits provided by Same Sky, added a personal touch to the event, with each lantern representing the year’s end and the hope for new beginnings.
The parade, a colorful and lively procession, led the community to Brighton beach. This symbolic act served as a poignant reminder of the passing of time and the welcoming of longer days ahead. The burning of the clocks, coupled with a stunning fireworks display, created an unforgettable spectacle against the backdrop of Brighton’s shoreline.
Artistic Director John Varah encapsulated the essence of the event, describing it as a ‘great reset’ filled with ‘ticking distractions, delightful nonsense, and a thousand illuminations.’ His words echoed the sentiment of the community as they gathered to embrace the stillness of the dark hours.
This year’s ‘Burning of the Clocks’ received substantial support from various local organizations and individuals. Arts Council England and the Chalk Cliff Trust played significant roles in backing the event, along with a notable contribution from Annette Boyne, whose generosity was warmly acknowledged. Additional support came from Sea Lanes, Hand Brew Co., Fugu PR, Brighton Fringe, Jubilee Library, Graham Carter, and Bison Beer, all contributing to the event’s success.
