Burning the Clocks

Good news for those who missed it: Burning the Clocks is officially returning on Monday, December 21, 2026. This event, organized by the charity Same Sky since 1993, is Brighton’s unique way of celebrating the Winter Solstice. It was originally conceived as a secular counterpoint to the commercial rush of Christmas, focusing instead on creating a new urban ritual. The core idea is deeply symbolic: participants carry lanterns, often shaped like clock faces, made from wicker and white tissue paper. These lanterns hold their wishes, hopes, and fears for the year ahead. The whole point is marking the passage of time and welcoming the longer days, which culminates in the burning of these symbolic "clocks."

Many of us noticed the absence last year; Same Sky took a sabbatical in 2025 to address significant funding challenges and rising costs, ensuring the event's long-term future. But the full spectacle is confirmed for 2026, and the theme announced is ‘Magicada’. This is a massive undertaking, typically involving 1,600 to 2,000 participants in the procession, drawing crowds of over 30,000 spectators to the city center. The parade kicks off around 6:00 pm (18:00 GMT), starting near New Road and winding its way through North Street, Ship Street, and East Street.

The procession is a luminous sight, but the real climax happens down on the beach near Madeira Drive. This is where the lanterns are gathered for the massive bonfire, symbolizing the burning away of the past year's time and worries. The fire and accompanying fireworks display usually start around 7:15 pm, wrapping up the evening close to 8:00 pm. If you plan on attending, watching the parade is completely free. However, if you want to be one of the people actually walking in the procession, you need to purchase an official lantern kit. The organizers are strict about this, prohibiting homemade lanterns, Chinese sky lanterns, or personal fireworks, mainly for safety and consistency. Same Sky also runs free community workshops if you want help assembling your lantern before the big night.