Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of Brighton for the 30th anniversary of the annual Burning the Clocks winter solstice parade.

More than 2,000 people will walk through the city streets with intricately made paper lanterns to celebrate the annual tradition on the shortest day of the year.

Organisers Same Sky say this year’s event, inspired by the 1977 launch of the Voyager space probe, aims to highlight the city’s welcoming embrace to displaced people.

Artistic director John Varah said: “We forget our core humanity when caught up in the hurly-burly of needless conflict and want, when we’re weary with disasters of the past year.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets for the paradeThousands of people are expected to line the streets for the parade (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

“It is only when we reflect on the indifference of the universe and our smallness are we reminded that we are passengers on a spaceship earth, voyagers in time and space, and maybe not much else.”

Taking place every year on December 21, Burning the Clocks sees thousands of people parading down North Street and towards the seafront with intricately crafted paper lanterns.

The event is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with the official theme “Voyager”.

Previous events have seen giant clocks, grasshoppers and a mock-up of the Empire Windrush being used as lanterns.

Giant lanterns in Brighton's North StreetGiant lanterns in Brighton's North Street (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The lanterns are later burned in a giant seafront bonfire.

Lantern kits can be purchased for £40 from stores across the city from today and from the Brighton Open Market on December 13.

The kits include materials and instructions for two lanterns as well as four wristbands for people to join the parade and show off their lanterns against the dark winter sky.

A Windrush-inspired lantern heading through The LanesA Windrush-inspired lantern heading through The Lanes (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Same Sky executive producer Rob Batson said: “We’re so excited to bring another spectacular lantern parade to the streets of Brighton this year - it will be the 30th Burning the Clocks for this great city!

“We’re hoping for good weather, as always, for all participants and onlookers, but also to ensure we can put on an incredible firework display and traditional beach bonfire at the end of the event.”

Burning the Clocks will take place on Saturday, December 21.