The centre of Brighton was packed last night for the annual Burning the Clocks celebration of the winter solstice.
About 2,000 people took part and many more watched as lanterns were paraded from New Road to the seafront where the clock burning took place.
Burning the Clocks parade lights up #Brighton to celebrate #wintersolstice #shortestdayoftheyear @SameSkyBTN. Here's my #mojo report pic.twitter.com/3JEL429kDy
— Natasha Devan (@natashadevan) December 22, 2016
The event marks the shortest day – or longest night – of the year, with the bonfire and fireworks rounding off a very Brighton event.
Brighton and Hove mayor Pete West was among those taking part. Councillor West wrote on his Facebook page: “Burning the Clocks is a distinctly Brighton annual celebration of the winter solstice: a spectacular marking of the turning point from growing darkness to returning light.
“Now in its 24th year, and staged by Same Sky art initiative, Burning the Clocks has 2,000 participants and draws around 20,000 onlookers.
“The celebration is based on a procession of lanterns and costumes, made from willow withies and white tissue paper, led by local bands with a carnival atmosphere.
“The procession makes its way through Brighton city centre to the seafront, culminating in a lantern bonfire, accompanied by fireworks.
“This year my children Eoin, Clodagh, Tiarnán and I joined the head of the procession, where I helped bucket collectors ensure vital funds are raised to keep this event free.
“Later on at the special after party, on behalf of Same Sky, I was able to thank volunteers and sponsors for their support: including the University of Brighton Juice Brighton, the Chilli Pickle, Patterns restuarant and Arka Original Funerals.
“Fantastic evening. Don’t you just love this city.”
Pictures courtesy of the mayor.
