Fire put out at Burning the Clocks (From The Argus)
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Fire put out at Burning the Clocks
10:50am Tuesday 18th December 2012 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter
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LED-lit lanterns during the 2011 parade
Candles will be replaced with electric lights at this year’s Burning the Clocks festival over health and safety concerns.
For the first time every lantern in the event’s main parade, celebrating the winter solstice in Brighton, will be lit with LED lights rather than naked flames.
It is anticipated the lights will replace about 400 candles during the lantern procession that travels through the city before a bonfire takes place on the beach.
Same Sky, the community arts charity behind the event which has been running since 1995, said there were a number of reasons behind the decision not to have candles at this year’s event on Friday, December 21.
A spokeswoman said health and safety was a factor although there had been no serious incidents to prompt the charity to make the changes.
Health and safety
She said: “LEDs are cheaper for us, re-useable, safer, stay lit and make line-up easier.
“One of the things is health and safety.
“Although there have not been serious incidents there have been some dropped lanterns in the street.”
Instead of lighting the lanterns, LEDs will be put inside at the start of the procession in the Corn Exchange.
She said: “They are more sustainable and can be used again.
“Before the lanterns are thrown on the bonfire at the end, the LED lights will be taken out.
“The LED lights also allow different lantern shapes.”
Talking point: To what extent do you feel it is necessary to change from candles to LEDs?
Share your views by commenting below, email letters@theargus.co.uk to write to us with your thoughts.
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Comments(28)
Tedious Pedant
says...
11:08am Tue 18 Dec 12
sbiscorrupt wrote:Because, as a spokeswoman also said, “LEDs are cheaper for us, re-useable, safer, stay lit and make line-up easier".
"A spokeswoman said health and safety was a factor although there had been no serious incidents to prompt the charity to make the changes".
Then why change?
Usual misguided interpretation of H&S BS!
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit
says...
11:19am Tue 18 Dec 12
Cyclic
says...
11:20am Tue 18 Dec 12
If it's not a H&S issue then don't say it is.
It does make sense to use LED's especially if they use rechargeable batteries. It's not an ancient tradition so it's good to move with the times.
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit
says...
11:22am Tue 18 Dec 12
Tedious Pedant wrote:Yeah, you can make the same argument for plastic Christmas trees as well. In parades like this real fires just LOOK so much better and it's interesting that the main reason seems to be cost and the H&S argument is a bit of a smokescreen - as it often is.
sbiscorrupt wrote:Because, as a spokeswoman also said, “LEDs are cheaper for us, re-useable, safer, stay lit and make line-up easier".
"A spokeswoman said health and safety was a factor although there had been no serious incidents to prompt the charity to make the changes".
Then why change?
Usual misguided interpretation of H&S BS!
Fairfax Sakes
says...
11:25am Tue 18 Dec 12
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit
says...
11:25am Tue 18 Dec 12
Pablab
says...
11:26am Tue 18 Dec 12
Tailgaters Anonymous
says...
11:27am Tue 18 Dec 12
s&k
says...
11:48am Tue 18 Dec 12
Le Premier Cru
says...
12:24pm Tue 18 Dec 12
Ridiculous.
Surely, following the same argument, Christmas would be more cost-effective without all the razzmatazz? So cancel it.
StyleCop
says...
12:43pm Tue 18 Dec 12
I agree with the predominant sentiment here but may I add that the notion of this ritual seems to steeped in a kind of romanticism for a bygone age and part of it's appeal was the use of natural elements to celebrate another years cycle of life.
Therefore it seems incongruous that the event should fall prey to consumerist sentiment, economics and convenience and will lose part of its soul in doing so.
Risk is part of life and mankinds control of fire was one of our first acts as species that helped us to evolve - children should be exposed to risk so they can learn limits.
How very sad.
Poor decision.
censored
says...
12:46pm Tue 18 Dec 12
Given that the batteries aren't reusable, surely they'll create more pollution and waste than a simple candle?
jonnydagger
says...
1:00pm Tue 18 Dec 12
Mr Sworld
says...
1:01pm Tue 18 Dec 12
censored wrote:Now that we live in the 21st Century we have batteries that are 'rechargeable'
Given that the SELL the lantern kits, I don't see what cost has got to do with it.
Given that the batteries aren't reusable, surely they'll create more pollution and waste than a simple candle?
Please keep up or we'll be giving you detention at the end of school.
qm
says...
1:06pm Tue 18 Dec 12
sbiscorrupt wrote:"She said: “They are more sustainable and can be used again."
"A spokeswoman said health and safety was a factor although there had been no serious incidents to prompt the charity to make the changes".
Then why change?
Usual misguided interpretation of H&S BS!
DUH!!!
GIVE UP
says...
1:37pm Tue 18 Dec 12
inadaptado
says...
1:45pm Tue 18 Dec 12
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit wrote:Nope, this joke doesn't work. Even those who haven't attended the event know the clocks are burned in bonfires at the end, which is still happening. Sorry, mate, I think your limit is two witty remarks per article.
Sorry, just one more from me then I'm done: are they also going to change the title from 'Burning the Clocks', to 'Safely LED-ing the clocks'?
censored
says...
2:47pm Tue 18 Dec 12
Mr Sworld wrote:The electricity needed to recharge thousands of batteries every December is more wasteful than burning a candle.
censored wrote:Now that we live in the 21st Century we have batteries that are 'rechargeable'
Given that the SELL the lantern kits, I don't see what cost has got to do with it.
Given that the batteries aren't reusable, surely they'll create more pollution and waste than a simple candle?
Please keep up or we'll be giving you detention at the end of school.
getThisCoalitionOut
says...
2:56pm Tue 18 Dec 12
Same Sky Brighton
says...
2:58pm Tue 18 Dec 12
Although it’s common sense that using a battery powered light is safer than using a candle in a large parade of people, that’s not our main reason for switching, nor have we ever stated that it is. It’s one of several reasons and, as with many small changes this year, is not necessarily a permanent change to the event. It’s also worth mentioning that only a quarter of the lanterns in the parade have been lit by candles in the past – a large proportion of lanterns have always been lit using battery-powered lights or LEDs.
Using LEDs allows us more artistic possibilities so people can make something different to the pyramid-shaped lanterns we’ve provided before and the lantern kits contain flower-bud shaped lanterns this year to tie in with this year’s theme: The Garden of Time.
We’ve also made this change in response to feedback that our participants would like a smoother process when they arrive at The Corn Exchange and New Road to have their lanterns lit and line-up for the parade. LED lights make this easier and mean that people’s lights stay lit for the duration of the parade.
Finally, and most importantly, it’s financially difficult for many small charities at the moment. Same Sky lost its core funding from the Arts Council last year and we’ve had to look at ways to reduce costs and raise more money in order to continue with Burning the Clocks. Unfortunately economics are a necessary reality for us. There is a huge cost in producing an event of this scale and the lantern kits we sell only fund a small proportion of this. Same Sky provides free workshops with disadvantaged community groups and spends several months a year planning in order to produce the event. Reusable LED packs with rechargeable batteries are cheaper for us to use as well as being more sustainable.
We are not taking fire out of the event by any means. Participants will still be passing their lanterns into the blazing bonfire at the end of the parade to “burn the clocks” and as always there will be a beach finale, complete with fire sculpture and fireworks to finish the night.
We’re sorry to hear that some people are disappointed by the lack of candles this year. Our staff and volunteers are working very hard to make sure this unique community celebration can go ahead. We welcome feedback so would ask people to get in touch with us after this year’s event to let us know their thoughts.
Martha Gunn
says...
3:11pm Tue 18 Dec 12
And any views yet from Comrade Duncan on the question of the Christmas Turkey? Or from the friendly Phelim on how to de-gender that wretchedly patriarchal Father Christmas. Only seven days to go - we need guidance quickly. Call the Politburo into session and issue some seasonal diktats.
Hoarder12345444
says...
3:15pm Tue 18 Dec 12
s&k wrote:probably because the bonfire societies would burn the councillors at the stake if they did such a thing.
I don't understand how H&S legislation can be applied to this event but not Lewes' 5th November celebrations?
kkj
says...
6:20pm Tue 18 Dec 12
Le Premier Cru wrote:Works for me!
Can they somehow fix up a battery-powered bonfire, too?
Ridiculous.
Surely, following the same argument, Christmas would be more cost-effective without all the razzmatazz? So cancel it.
nosolution
says...
6:37pm Tue 18 Dec 12
sanitary style...
trystero
says...
9:47pm Tue 18 Dec 12
Martha Gunn wrote:Somehow I just knew it'd be All the Fault of "the Greens". Also (no doubt) students/"travellers
Is this another outbreak of official Christmas Greenthink to go alongside not burning yuletide logs? Or are they just larking about again?
And any views yet from Comrade Duncan on the question of the Christmas Turkey? Or from the friendly Phelim on how to de-gender that wretchedly patriarchal Father Christmas. Only seven days to go - we need guidance quickly. Call the Politburo into session and issue some seasonal diktats.
"/"squatters"/"immig
rants"/unions/"scrou
ngers"/the "public sector"/"young people"/Gordon Brown (delete as applicable).
Personally, I blame the teachers. And the parents. And the turkeys. It's political correctness gone mad. And deja vu all over again....
Old Ladys Gin
says...
8:49am Wed 19 Dec 12
s&k wrote:Ye Gods! Don't give the idiots ideas!
I don't understand how H&S legislation can be applied to this event but not Lewes' 5th November celebrations?
StyleCop
says...
2:15pm Wed 19 Dec 12
Same Sky Brighton wrote:Thanks for taking the time to reply.
On behalf of Same Sky: After reading this article and people’s comments, we felt it necessary to respond and to clear up some misconceptions… Although it’s common sense that using a battery powered light is safer than using a candle in a large parade of people, that’s not our main reason for switching, nor have we ever stated that it is. It’s one of several reasons and, as with many small changes this year, is not necessarily a permanent change to the event. It’s also worth mentioning that only a quarter of the lanterns in the parade have been lit by candles in the past – a large proportion of lanterns have always been lit using battery-powered lights or LEDs. Using LEDs allows us more artistic possibilities so people can make something different to the pyramid-shaped lanterns we’ve provided before and the lantern kits contain flower-bud shaped lanterns this year to tie in with this year’s theme: The Garden of Time. We’ve also made this change in response to feedback that our participants would like a smoother process when they arrive at The Corn Exchange and New Road to have their lanterns lit and line-up for the parade. LED lights make this easier and mean that people’s lights stay lit for the duration of the parade. Finally, and most importantly, it’s financially difficult for many small charities at the moment. Same Sky lost its core funding from the Arts Council last year and we’ve had to look at ways to reduce costs and raise more money in order to continue with Burning the Clocks. Unfortunately economics are a necessary reality for us. There is a huge cost in producing an event of this scale and the lantern kits we sell only fund a small proportion of this. Same Sky provides free workshops with disadvantaged community groups and spends several months a year planning in order to produce the event. Reusable LED packs with rechargeable batteries are cheaper for us to use as well as being more sustainable. We are not taking fire out of the event by any means. Participants will still be passing their lanterns into the blazing bonfire at the end of the parade to “burn the clocks” and as always there will be a beach finale, complete with fire sculpture and fireworks to finish the night. We’re sorry to hear that some people are disappointed by the lack of candles this year. Our staff and volunteers are working very hard to make sure this unique community celebration can go ahead. We welcome feedback so would ask people to get in touch with us after this year’s event to let us know their thoughts.
It is sad indeed that events like this have to be propped up by arts councils grants - but I guess that's the times we live in.
Congratulations to you and all the volunteers who take part in this event - candles or no candles I'm sure it will be a success and bring joy to all those who take part and witness it...
I still feel the idea of candles has a great depth and soul, but your justification is indeed valid in context.
Thanks again and good luck for Friday!
One more orbit of sun...:)
sbiscorrupt says...
11:03am Tue 18 Dec 12
Then why change?
Usual misguided interpretation of H&S BS!