The Return of the Light - Lantern Workshop

The Return of the Light - Lantern Making Workshop

Join us for a magical celebration modelled on the famous "Bonfire of the Clocks"... a unique winter solstice celebration. This event has been running for nearly 40 years in Brighton and now attracts up to 20,000 people. The procession lights up the night with creative lanterns made to remember the dearly departed, pets, grandparents and other family members whose memory we wish to celebrate.

It's a beautiful parade which culminates with a fire ceremony on the beach where the lanterns are put onto a bonfire. This year, the parade coincides with low tide and we will be able to watch the embers of the fire be swallowed by the sea, a poignant moment.

The event is loads of fun while imbued with deep meaning.

These tickets are for the lantern making workshop which happens on the Saturday afternoon. The parade itself happens on the Sunday after a party which is happening at the same venue on Sunday afternoon... leading up to the procession.

THE LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP
Saturday 20th December - 12 noon until 4pm.
@ The Great Hall above the St Leonards Church Market

You can drop in anytime to come and make your lanterns. There will be two facilitators from Radiator Arts there to assist you and your family to make lanterns. The process and take as little as half an hour and up to the whole afternoon if you really want to personalise your design.

There will also be storytellers present during the event sharing tales that support the themes of solstice, xmas, remembrance and the return of the light. All the materials are supplied and you are welcome to drift in and out, there's no necessity to be present for the whole afternoon.

After making your lantern, it will be left to dry at the venue where you can collect it the following day for the parade. The thriving market downstairs offers delicious food and loads of choice for last minute xmas shopping.

Come back the following day for the party and the processsion:
FREE ENTRY FOR ALL LANTERN WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS

SAMBA SOUNDCLASH PARTY AND PROCESSION
Sunday 21st December - 3pm-6pm
@ The Great Hall above the St Leonards Church Market

On the solsitce itself, everyone will gather for an afternoon of music with singing and dancing to light up the darkest night of the year.

This is party time and will feature the incredible music of local samba legends, a moment for a Big Sing... as well as more storytelling with a moment of relfection before heading out to the beach for the procession and a bonfire to warm our hearts, our souls and our fingers.

It's all about community, creativity, and saying goodbye to the old and welcoming a new cycle and the return of the sun.

Bring your friends, your family, and your festive spirit for an unforgettable evening!