| On the 21st December, each
year since it started in 1993, Brighton celebrates the Winter Solstice,
shortest day of the year, with an event called 'Burning the Clocks'.
The celebration includes a procession of
lanterns and costumes lit from within, and makes its way through the centre of
Brighton from New Road to Madeira Drive on the seafront. It culminates in
a lantern bonfire, accompanied by fireworks.
The procession is lead by local bands with a
carnival atmosphere and the costumes all have to include a clockface to
represent the passing of time, although each year there is a slight change of
theme. The lanterns, made from withies (willow canes) and white tissue
paper, are made by those taking part in from kits purchased beforehand and made
in their homes or at workshops during the day and are unique to the individual
who made it ranging in all different shapes and sizes, but ultimately they
all end up on the bonfire.
It attracts at least 200 participants and an
audience of around 10-15,000 visitors each year.
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Pink Angel
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