Winter Solstice Celebration in Brighton, England

As the winter winds approach and the ocean tides stir, the Burning the Clocks festival gears up in Brighton, England where time slows down, momentarily stops, and then begins again. The festival, a seasonal alternative to the Christmas madness, takes place along the cold and windy waters of the Atlantic ocean, where thousands of costume-clad locals and visitors carry glowing lanterns through the city towards the beach.

The costumes bear a clock face representing the passing of time during a long cold and wet English winter season. Stilt walkers and drummers as well as many other time keepers fill the streets for the magnificent festival.

Weeks before the events people purchase lantern making kits (a purchase of a kit is now mandatory for safety reasons) and decorate the paper and willow lanterns that are carried through the city of Brighton. From the beginning of the parade route at the Royal Pavilion until Madeira Drive, onlookers and parade participants revel in the sound of drums and the excitement as the evening sky lights up with thousands of soft lit lanterns.

The sound of drums beating a slow melodic tune race to beat out the end of time. The winners are the lantern makers who are actually part of the show, their lanterns are filled wishes, hopes, and fears that will soon pass into the fire.

Once the lanterns are loaded on the pier, the heat of the fire brings up the new sun, the pendulum starts again, the clocks tick and fireworks and an amazing bonfire close out the evening's activities.

On December 21, the parade begins so follow "Mother Time Keeper" and her merry cast of many as they burn their clocks for the winter solstice.

Brighton, England is one of the United Kingdom's most popular tourist destinations. Located only one hour by rail from London, Brighton's two lively piers (Brighton Pier and the West Pier) and it's revitalized fashionable sea front area offer something for everyone.