December events: Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Burning the Clocks
Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Brighton marks the shortest day of the year with the Burning the Clocks winter solstice parade.
People across the city of Brighton & Hove create gorgeous paper and willow lanterns which are then paraded through the city as part of the Burning the Clocks celebrations, and with around 2,000 people taking part in the procession, the atmosphere is magical.
The carnival makes its way to the beachfront where the lanterns are passed onto a blazing bonfire on the beach to welcome in the longer days and then follows a spectacular fireworks display. The festival has been running for over 20 years and is a welcome break from the commercialism of the festive season. The tradition marks the passing of time and welcomes in the new sun, lighting up the longest night.
Each year the procession and beachside bonfire take place on 21st December.