ARKA Original Funerals have announced their support of Brighton charity Same Sky in creating 25 ‘In Memory’ lanterns at Burning the Clocks, for those mourning a loved one who has died in the last 12 months. Running from New Road to Brighton’s seafront, Burning the Clocks parade runs from 6.30pm on Weds 21 Dec, and will attract around 2,000 participants and more than 20,000 onlookers.
The new ‘In Memory’ lantern packages will celebrate the lives of lost loved ones and were launched as part of the Burning the Clocks Crowdfunder. Each package, worth £100, includes two places at the parade and at the after party, plus a reading of their names at the bonfire on the beach.
“We’re delighted to be supporting an event that’s such an integral part of Brighton’s winter calendar,” said Cara Mair, owner and founder of ARKA Original Funerals. “It’s also great to be able to provide people a unique and special commemoration opportunity for those who have lost someone during the year.”
As well as Burning the Clocks, Same Sky produces the Brighton Festival Children’s Parade and many other events in Brighton and Hove. Same Sky was set up in 1987 and creates imaginative events and workshops to strengthen communities, inspire individuals and brighten people’s lives.
Their work engages directly with the community to produce a wide range of events, combining the visual and performing arts. They act as a resource for schools and other community groups supplying information and specialist advice and a programme of master-classes, training courses and residencies. They have a proven track record in producing site specific events and installations, permanent and temporary public art.
Burning the Clocks first began in 1993. The event is an uplifting antidote to the excesses of a commercial Christmas. People bring the paper and willow lanterns that they’ve made to parade through the city before passing them into a huge bonfire on Brighton beach. Each lantern maker becomes a part of the show as they invest the lanterns with their wishes, hopes, and fears and then pass them into the fire.
If you wish to take part in the Burning the Clocks parade with a commemorative lantern for a loved one then write to ARKA Original Funerals, 136 Islingword Road, Brighton, B2N 9SH. The first 25 will be invited to join the parade on 21st December.
Businesses and restaurants interested in getting involved with the event as a sponsor or participant should contact jasmine@samesky.co.uk.
Burning the Clocks parade comes to the streets of Brighton on Weds 21 Dec 2016
www.facebook.com/burningtheclocks
Image by Simon Dack
