Burning of the Clocks - the video

Burning the Clocks 2016

Brighton's celebration of the shortest day.

The parade was impressively long.

Council statement on the Berlin attack.

The leaders of the three political groups in the council have released a statement on the Berlin terror attack.

“Brighton & Hove sends its sympathies and support to the people of Berlin.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of 12 lives and injuries – some life changing -  to 48 others who were so senselessly killed while they visited a Christmas market.

On behalf of the city of Brighton & Hove, we send our condolences.”

Councillor Warren Morgan, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and Leader of the Labour and Co-operative Group

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, Leader of the Conservative Group

Councillor Phelim Mac Cafferty, Convenor of the Green Group.

Burning the Clocks

2011 procession

On the shortest day, Wednesday, December 21st. the 'Burning the Clocks' event brings the whole city together to celebrate the turning of the year.

The lantern procession will set off from New Road at 6.30pm and arrive at Madeira Drive at approximately 7.15pm, where lanterns are passed onto a bonfire and a firework show begins.

The event finishes at around 8pm.

From New Road, the parade will make its way through North Street, Ship Street, Bartholomews and then onto the seafront via East Street and crossing the A259. The parade then goes to Madeira Drive for the finale.​

2011 procession

The fireshow will take place on the beach with viewing from Madeira Drive and the Upper Terrace on Marine Parade.

Christmas at the Royal Pavilion

Don't miss the magical Christmas displays at the Royal Pavilion. The fires are lit, the Royal Pavilion Christmas poster candles are flickering, the spectacular Banqueting Room table is laid for a Royal feast and the building is transformed with festive decorations and glittering trees. Pavilion-inspired decorations, including butterflies, birds and flowers bring sparkle, glamour and Christmas cheer for all the family, with drop-in activities and a themed trail for children.

Photography in the Pavilion is normally banned but on this special occasion you can enjoy the chance to take your own festive photo in the spectacular Music Room where George IV entertained his guests in style.

Share your festive photos on #RoyalPavilionXmas.

Entrance Fee for residents £6.15.

Big Belly Bins Beaten

Latest technology defeated by Brighton's litter. (Or maybe it just hasn't been emptied?)

See also:- Brighton bags iBins

Carols at Queen's Park

Latest TV's William Ranieri gets all festive as he heads to The Friends of Queen's Park's Christmas get together.. to enjoy the warm beverages and jolly sing-songs.

Brighton's answer to BandAid

Elderly legends such as Disco Pete and Dancing Ann have teamed up with local celebrities to release a Christmas tune.

The Big Park Conversation results

Queen's Park

The council survey between August 23 and October 28 into the future of Brighton & Hove’s parks brought a record 3,500 responses  from residents – and many generous offers of help.

Patcham Memorial Park

The survey set out to establish what residents’ spending priorities were for parks and open spaces in times of reduced funding. Between 2009 and 2020, the council’s parks service will be losing around one third of its money, down from £4.7m to just £3.4m.

Most popular suggestions were for the council to use more volunteers (403 mentions), create new revenue streams such as cafés, sponsors, events and charges (217 mentions) and to have more wildflower or overgrown areas (211 mentions).

About three quarters of respondents favoured replacing play area equipment with natural play features such as logs, which were cheaper to maintain.


87% of respondents tend to agree or strongly agree that residents should be allowed to cut grass verges using their own tools under certain circumstances.

Hove Park

56.4% of people were interested or fairly interested in volunteering to help maintain parks. Litter collection was the most likely thing people would offer to help with. Weeding or pruning were other possibilities. Over 1,000 people left email addresses because they might be interested in volunteering.

Business sponsorship or advertising in parks should be explored as a way of raising funds, according to 54% of respondents. 67% said options should be explored for getting not-for-profit organisations to maintain parks or raise funds for them.

Horsdean Park

Surrenden park

Preston Park

Results will help inform an open spaces strategy report going to the environment committee on January 17.

The survey was publicised via news outlets, the council website and social media, 10,000 flyers distributed in various ways, 3,000 postcards to random addresses and adverts in community magazines. 36% of people heard of the survey through social media.

The Snowdogs auction

Leader of the Council speaks about the budget.

Festive Lights 2

Western Road & North Street.

See also: Festive Lights.

The Council's Budget 2017/18 explained

A slick animation explaining the constraints on council spending.

Bond Street La(i)ne 5 years on.

 

Some local hero is still periodically blanking out the intrusive "I" in this street nameplate. 

 
Nearly 5 years ago The Brighton Society applied to the Council to have the street renamed without the "I" on the grounds that it fed and perpetuated the confusion over the correct historical use of the words "lane" and "laine" in Brighton. The Council started a public consultation as it is legally required to do but as there was one objection the request had to be referred to the Magistrates Court. At this point, owing to the likely costs involved, the Council withdrew from the case and the single objector won the day.

Ever since the "I" has been regularly appearing and disappearing. Evidently for at least one person a battle was lost but an armistice not signed.

Last previous post:- Bond Street La(i)ne - council withdraws

The Rockery - best park in England

At the Fields in Trust Awards Ceremony at Lord's Cricket Ground last night the Rockery, Preston Park was named best park in England.

"England’s best park is a unique garden with a vibrant mix of horticulture, wildlife and beautiful landscaping. The biggest municipal rock garden in the UK, nominator Andy Jeavons described it as 'a truly magical experience'."

The overall winner for the UK was Rouken Glen Park.
"The UK's Best Park 2016 is a rich mixture of grassland, meadow, glen and woodland, meaning there's always somewhere exciting to explore. Nominator Katy Green said it is 'a place for people and nature'."

Read more:- Fields in Trust Awards 2016
Previous post:- Vote for your Park