This year could be the final Beach Hut Advent Calendar on Hove seafront unless a new team of organisers step in.
The event was started in 2008 by Beyond, to remind people of the Christian roots of Advent as part of its mission to explore Christianity in a creative way.
But the small team have decided that they want to concentrate on new projects, and so this year will the be the last one they organise.
Founder and organiser Rev Martin Poole said: “It has been a wonderful experience creating this event and seeing it grow and develop over the last eleven years.
“I am grateful for all the people who’ve contributed in all weathers and for the relationships that have formed through doing this. This has been a perfect event for such a creative place as Brighton and Hove and it has inspired others to develop their own versions using beach huts in other towns, garages inland and even using sheds and horseboxes in churchyards so that people are able to say something about God bringing light into the darkness.
“I hope we’ve helped to remind people of the true meaning of Advent and Christmas, and been able to offer a pause for thought away from the busyness and commercialism of the season.”
In the last decade, the event has seen hundreds of people come to the seafront each December night, and has been featured in print and on television.
This simple concept involves one hut each night in Advent opening up to showcase an art installation from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, just like a giant advent calendar.
Only one hut is open each night and there are free mince pies and warming drinks on offer.
The art is created by individual artists, beach hut owners, community groups, schools and churches.
Huts displays have included live donkeys, laser shows, ice sculptures, contemporary dance, poetry, Morris dancing, spacemen, crib scenes and lots and lots of angels and stars.
By Christmas Eve this year there will have been 264 unique art installations, over 4,000 litres of hot drinks served and 3,000 mince pies consumed.
If any other group would like to continue the beach hut advent calendar, email info@beyondchurch.co.uk.
For this year’s schedule, visit www.beyondchurch.co.uk.
