Effigy display replaces annual Brighton parade

A large effigy is to be unveiled in Brighton instead of the annual Burning the Clocks parade this year.

The event, which celebrates the winter solstice, is taking a fallow year before returning in 2026, organisers have said.

Jane McMorrow, interim chief executive of Same Sky, the creators of the event, said despite the parade not being held this year, the unveiling would "help keep the flame alight for Burning the Clocks".

The effigy has been commissioned to reflect next year's theme of 'Magicada', representing a symbolic rest followed by a noisy awakening.

The installation, created by Nikki Gunson, is top secret and will be revealed outside St Peter's Church in Brighton on Sunday.

A public event is to be held between 16:00 GMT and 20:00.

Ms McMorrow said not holding the parade was a "tough but necessary" decision that would allow Same Sky to focus on future planning while running its national event's programme.

"This means there will be no street parade, no performances and no fireworks or bonfire on the beach this year," she said.

"We wanted to share the theme a year early and display this beautiful lantern sculpture with everyone in the city, as well as giving everyone a chance to meet many of the artists and people behind the scenes who bring us Burning the Clocks."

The effigy will play a lead role in the street parade when it returns next year, Ms McMorrow added.

The Burning the Clocks event costs more than £50,000 to stage each year, with costs increasing by 44% since 2019, organisers said.

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