Burning the Clocks

Every December, Brighton's winter darkness is transformed by one of the city's most distinctive cultural traditions. Burning the Clocks is a community celebration of the winter solstice, bringing together handmade art, illuminated procession, music, fire and a shared sense of renewal.
Created by Brighton arts organisation Same Sky in 1994, the event offers an alternative to the commercial emphasis of Christmas. Participants carry lanterns made from paper and willow through the streets towards the seafront. These glowing creations are often filled with personal hopes and wishes before being consigned to the flames in a symbolic farewell to the passing year. The procession traditionally culminates in a dramatic fire display and fireworks.
At the heart of Burning the Clocks is the idea that art can bring people together across generations, backgrounds and beliefs. Community workshops give participants the opportunity to make their own lanterns, turning the event into more than a spectacle: it is a collaborative act of creativity and belonging.
The celebration marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, looking forward to the gradual return of the light. Its combination of folk-inspired ritual, contemporary public art and collective participation has made it an enduring part of Brighton's cultural identity.
The event was paused in 2025, but its organiser has announced a full return in 2026, with the theme Magicada. The 2026 event is listed for 21 December.