Residents are being asked to help bring back the Burning the Clocks lantern extravaganza, which was axed last year due to a lack of funding.

Organisers Same Sky is planning to re-establish it this year and on September 10 is holding a benefit night at the Corn Exchange, Brighton, to raise money.

Sharon Mee, community manager of Same Sky, said: "Anyone can come along, have some fun and food and drink and enjoy top Brighton entertainment.

"The evening will be family-friendly. There will be a room where youngsters can chill out and some of the events are aimed at the kids.

"It is about celebrating or commiserating the year. The idea is you burn the clocks to signify throwing out the old and bringing in the new.

"Over the years it got more and more popular until the last one two years ago when about 10,000 people came along.

"Burning the Clocks is an event that people think must have been going on for centuries but it hasn't."

Burning the Clocks was introduced in 1994 to provide Brighton and Hove with an event that was not about shopping or Christmas.

It involves people from different communities and includes a parade through the city concluding with a show in Madeira Drive.

In 2000 there were more than 600 lanterns made and 1,200 performers who took part.

About £2,000 is still needed for this year's Burning the Clocks, on December 22, to go ahead.

So far funding has been put forward by anonymous private donors, grants and the where else campaign, Brighton and Hove's bid to become Capital of Culture 2008.

During the benefit night, which takes place from 7pm to 11pm, there will be entertainment from Jenny Eclair, Helen Kanes, Banana Splitz, Gonzon Moose and Carnival Collection.

There will be a raffle with prizes provided by a businesses including the Theatre Royal, Brighton racecourse, The Grand hotel, Marina Bowlplex, the Zap, Infinity Foods, the Tin Drum, Brighton and Hove Albion and the Sea Life Centre.

Tickets are £10 (£5 for unemployed and £2 for children). They are available on 01273 709709.

Anyone who cannot attend but would like to make a donation can call Same Sky on 01273 571106.