One of Sussex’s most popular events is to be run again this Christmas – but with some changes.

Burning the Clocks, Brighton’s annual ritual celebrating the shortest day of the year, will take place in December.

But for the first time people can guarantee that they bag the best spot in the parade.

For £1,000 Same Sky, the charity behind Burning the Clocks, is offering one lucky person the chance to light the bonfire at the end of the procession. For £500 someone can lead the parade.

A Same Sky spokeswoman said the money would help ensure that Burning the Clocks could continue in the future.

She said: “All small charities suffer from a lack of funding and need support.

“Burning the Clocks is going ahead this year although our subsidised public workshops will not be.

“It will be free for people to watch along the route, as always.

“I think we are having to get better about telling people we are a charity and need funding.

“We are trying to make Burning the Clocks sustainable so we can carry on doing it for years to come.”

This year’s event will take place on December 21 and will mark Same Sky’s 25th birthday.

For nearly two decades, Burning the Clocks has been lighting up the streets of Brighton with about 2,000 residents parading the paper lanterns they have made.

The lanterns are then put into a huge bonfire on the beach.

A fire sculpture is ignited, live music played and fireworks light up the sky.

The event was founded by Same Sky, Brighton’s community art charity, in 1987.

Sharon Mee, Same Sky’s community manager, said she was delighted Burning the Clocks was going ahead despite smaller charities finding it difficult to carry on because of cuts.

She said: “Every year people tell us how special Burning the Clocks is and we’re working really hard to make sure it continues.

“Many small charities are finding things hard at the moment.”

Burning the Clocks, which receives funding from Brighton and Hove City Council , is watched by about 20,000 people.

Same Sky is looking for local businesses to donate prizes for the auction or who might be interested in sponsoring Burning the Clocks.

Anyone who is interested in helping can call 01273 571106.