Another mystical and magical winter solstice festival, to brighten up your winter break!
What it’s all about
Brighton, England comes alive every December especially because of the epic winter solstice festival that takes places on its shores. Burning the Clocks happens to be a celebration devoid of any religious connotations or limitations and is open to anyone willing enough to be part of the crazy event.
In 1994 an arts charity named Same Sky developed the idea of burning community-madeΒ lanterns (which are often clock-shaped) in an effort to battle against the commercialism of other religion based festivals that take part during the same time of the year.
People are gleefully encouraged to build and decorate their own lanterns to take part in the procession, and the eventual fireball bonfire event that takes place on Brighton beach. The ‘burning’ is a catalyst in realising the hopes and dreams of the participants of the bonfire.
Most lanterns are made of bamboo and tissue paper and are decorated as per the yearly theme, which differs from year to year. The festival also brings together and unites the homeless youth and people from Brighton who deal with social issues like abuse and poverty, by holding lantern-making workshops for them.
The Parade
The parade (for which participants need to buy a ticket to) is a colouful spectacle that begins early evening and usually includes an attendance of around 2000 people, who armed with their lanterns, wacky attire and painted faces walk down the famous New Road of Brighton.
The longest night of the year, sees over 20,000 spectators who witness this illuminating parade that eventually makes it way to theΒ beach. This is then followed by an epic lantern burning bonfire that signifies more than meets the eye. The crowd cheers as the bonfire gets bigger and brighter, which culminates into an awe-inspiring firework show at 8 pm sharp.
