The future of the annual Burning the Clocks festival is at risk.

Event organisers want the public to help fund the winter solstice ceremony to ensure its survival.

This year’s event is on December 21 at 6.30pm but there are fears for the free festival’s future.

Organisers Same Sky have launched an online crowdfunding account with Buzzbnk to sustain the event.

John Varah, artistic director, said: “We have fought to bring a meaningful community event to Brighton on the solstice, but with recent challenges to arts funding this year we need further support.

“Rather than just asking for donations on the night – although we’ll still have collection buckets – we wanted to provide ways for people to invest in it.”

The event, launched in 1993, is on the winter solstice, the year’s shortest day.

The procession, including willow lanterns and costumes, makes its way to Brighton beach for a bonfire and fireworks.

It costs £25,000 to stage, with Same Sky paying from its annual funding. The rest of the money comes from donations.

Visitors can buy lantern packs, including materials and wristbands, prior to the event at the Royal Pavilion, at the Wood Store in Circus Street and Book Nook in St John’s Place. Same Sky says that in return for crowdfunding donations, people can receive rewards such as bespoke lanterns, VIP passes, window stickers and the privilege of lighting the bonfire.

Prints by artist Graham Carter are on sale with 50 limited edition designs available via the Buzzbnk account.

For details and to donate, visit buzzbnk.org/burning theclocks2014.

Companies wishing to help are asked to email jasmine@samesky.co.uk.