The Burning of the Clocks 2026

Burning of the Clocks Brighton 2026

Brighton's Burning of the Clocks takes place on December 21, 2026, marking the winter solstice with a lantern procession through the city center. Organized by Brighton community arts charity Same Sky, the annual celebration brings participants carrying handmade lanterns through Brighton's streets before a beachfront fire show.

Event dates: Monday, December 21, 2026

Key events:

• 6:30pm: The procession leaves New Road, with participants carrying handmade willow and tissue-paper lanterns decorated with clock designs

• 7:15pm: The parade reaches Madeira Drive, where lanterns and clock sculptures are placed on a beach bonfire

• Beachfront fire show: Drummers and musicians accompany the procession, followed by a fire display and pyrotechnics on Brighton Beach

• 8pm: The event is scheduled to finish

The procession: Participants dress in costumes featuring clock faces to represent the passing of time. Spectators can watch from the streets along the parade route, with viewing areas on Madeira Drive and the upper terrace of Marine Parade.

Gay nightlife: Burning of the Clocks is a citywide community event rather than a dedicated gay festival. Brighton's gay bars and clubs are concentrated around Kemp Town, close to the seafront and the parade's finishing point.

Where to stay: Kemp Town and Brighton's seafront are convenient bases for the event and gay nightlife. Drakes Hotel, Legends Hotel, Brightonwave and Square Townhouse are among the accommodation options mentioned in the source.