Burning the Clocks launches new lantern trail for 2020

The lantern trail replaces the annual winter solstice event, which was cancelled due to Covid restrictions.

The brightly lit lanterns will be on display in 12 independent shop windows.

To join the trail participants need to use their mobile to solve clues to find the lanterns which are on display along the parade route staring in Trafalgar Street.

Posters in the lantern hosts shops windows will show a code to unlock each lantern, anyone who finds all 12 lanterns will have a chance to win a limited-edition Graham Carter print of the ‘Luck Dragon’ worth £96.

Those that want to take part should visit btc.samesky.co.uk on their mobile device or phone, where they will receive instructions and their first clue.

Twelve regular BTC artists have been commissioned to create the lanterns that reflect different aspects of the annual celebration, including solstice, samba dancing and fireworks.

Players can also create and share a personal message when they unlock each lantern from their mobile, reflecting their hopes and dreams for the following 12 months.

Traditionally, people taking part in the BTC parade carry homemade lanterns along Brighton’s streets before adding them to a bonfire on the beach at the end of the night. This moment is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and consider your personal wishes for the coming one.

John Varah, artistic director at Same Sky said: “Our new Burning the Clocks lantern trail is an exciting and safe alternative to the regular Brighton parade and something that everyone can get involved in. It’s a chance to get outside, have some fun and support our local artists who are among the many people in the city to have been so badly affected by this pandemic.”

The Burning the Clocks crowdfunder supports the funding of this trail and the artists’ commissions which has also been part-funded by the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund . The crowdfunder offers a range of locally made artisan Christmas gifts at different price points including limited prints, art works and Christmas star lanterns for window displays.