This year it’s the 30th anniversary of Burning of the Clocks, an annual unique winter solstice tradition in Brighton that takes place on the 21st of December. This year it’s coming back to the city bigger and better than ever before! Here’s all you need to know about the Burning of the Clocks in 2023.
History of Burning of the Clocks In Brighton
Founded in 1993, Burning Of The Clocks has become a cherished tradition in Brighton. The event was started by Same Sky in collaboration with Brighton Co-op. It offers the community a free and alternative way to celebrate the year coming to an end.
The heart of the celebration lies in a procession featuring lanterns and costumes crafted from willow canes and white tissue paper. The lanterns, symbolising time, wishes, hopes, and fears, are paraded through Brighton city centre, accompanied by local bands, creating a lively carnival-like atmosphere. The procession concludes at the seafront with a spectacular lantern bonfire and fireworks display.
Burning the Clocks 2023: Celebration of Time
In 2023, Burning the Clocks returns bigger than ever with the theme of “Clocks,” inspired by the changing perception of time’s passage after the event’s successful return last winter. You can expect the theme to be reflected in the lanterns created by the community, which will be seen on the day of the parade.
Here are 5 ways to get involved in this year’s Burning Of the Clocks in brighton:
1. Purchase a Lantern Kit
Lantern kits are available for £40 at various locations in Brighton. Each kit includes two lanterns and four wristbands to join the procession.
2. Purchase a Poster
Graham Carter, commemorating his 10 years of creating posters for Burning the Clocks, offers posters for purchase.
3. Purchase a Beer
Grab a Lume, the beer brewed by Hand Brew Co, available at the Hand in Hand in Kemptown and various pubs around the city. Every pint purchased donates 20p to Burning Of The Clocks.
4. Donate to the Burning the Clocks Crowdfunder
Support the event through the crowdfunding campaign and receive benefits such as VIP passes, custom lanterns, and posters from previous Burning the Clocks.
5. Volunteer with Burning of the Clocks
Contribute to the event’s success by volunteering—100-strong Same Sky volunteers are needed for the event.
Burning the Clocks 2023: Timings and Route Guide in Brighton
The event kicks off around 6:30 pm on New Road near the Brighton Dome. The procession will make its way through the city, reaching its final destination, the beach near Kemptown, around 7:30 pm, where you will be able to witness the infamous fire show. The event will conclude around 8 pm with some loud music to end the celebration in style.
Road closures will be in effect from 4 pm in various parts of the city, including Jubilee Street, New Road, Church Street, and North Street; some streets in the south lanes, including Middle Street, Duke Street, Ship Street, Prince Albert Street, Bartholomews, East Street, and Brills Lane; and the Grand Junction Road will be closed for a short while around 7 pm.
Where To watch Burning of the Clocks in 2023?
For spectators, the best spots to watch Burning the Clocks are along Kemptown Beach at Madeira Drive and the Upper Terrace of Marine Parade. Arriving early is advisable to secure the best view of this spectacular event.
Whether you participate in the parade, volunteer, or even just attend to watch, everyone has the opportunity to play a vital role in making Burning the Clocks 2023 a memorable and fun experience.
