Little bit late in posting but then as Burning the Clocks is an antidote to the excesses of the commercial Christmas maybe its even more appropriate.
The winter solstice is on December 21 and is the “shortest” day of the year and marks the start of the winter period.
In Brighton we have the Burning of the Clocks which is a winter solstice festival run by artist-led charity Same Sky. Many local community organisations, schools and anyone else interested participate in the event.
The first Burning the Clocks festival was in 1993. The lantern makers become part of the show as they invest the lanterns with their wishes, hopes, and fears and then pass them into the fire.
I think the Co-op were the first sponsors. The publicity stresses that local people make their own lanterns but these days they have to purchase a kit. This year it was £28 (which makes 2) which sadly makes it seem a bit commercial.
The event in 2008 was my favourite one, there were wonderful wobbly clocks and waves of impromptu dancing. The music also became more mystical as lantern bearers were allowed on to the beach right up to the fire to hand their lanterns over for burning! Think health and safety may have stepped in since!
2008
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTb7JoLlJRM
2012 was pretty good too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMXWxhAaf20
Nevertheless a spectacular event this year and after all ‘what you haven’t had you don’t miss.’
I did film this year’s but have new editing arrangements to sort!
Ann Perrin 