Celebrate the winter solstice with fire, light, and creativity at Brighton’s iconic Burning of the Clocks festival.
Each December, the seaside city of Brighton lights up in a spectacular display of art and community spirit for the Burning of the Clocks. This modern festival blends tradition and innovation, as residents and visitors craft intricate paper lanterns, parade them through the streets, and finally, set them ablaze in a ceremonial bonfire on Brighton Beach. Equal parts solstice celebration and artistic expression, this unique event offers a magical and meaningful escape from the holiday rush.
Why Visit Brighton During the Burning of the Clocks?
Brighton’s Burning of the Clocks offers a refreshing antidote to the commercialism of the festive season. Rooted in community and creativity, it invites participants to reflect on the passing year and embrace the cycle of time. Against the backdrop of Brighton’s iconic pier and twinkling seafront, the festival captures the city’s bohemian spirit while nodding to ancient solstice traditions.
This weekend break combines artistic flair, communal warmth, and the chance to marvel at Brighton’s wintery seaside charm.
When to Go: December 20–22
Arrive on December 20th to explore Brighton’s shops and sights before the festivities begin. On December 21st, join the lantern-making workshops and parade. Stay for the spectacular beachside bonfire and fireworks, and spend December 22nd exploring the city’s eclectic culture.
Where to Stay
1. The Grand Brighton
This luxurious seafront hotel is an icon of Victorian elegance and offers stunning views of Brighton’s coastline. The perfect place to unwind after an evening of revelry.
2. A Boutique Guesthouse in the Lanes
Stay in a cosy, artistic guesthouse in Brighton’s historic Lanes district. Its quirky charm reflects the city’s creative energy and is just a short walk from the festival hub.
What to Do
1. Create a Lantern
Participate in a lantern-making workshop, where you can craft your own illuminated masterpiece. Using paper, wire, and imagination, you’ll contribute to the glowing procession of light.
2. Join the Lantern Parade
On the evening of December 21st, carry your lantern through Brighton’s streets alongside hundreds of others. The parade winds its way to the beach, accompanied by music, costumes, and a palpable sense of togetherness.
3. Watch the Bonfire and Fireworks
Once the procession reaches the seafront, the lanterns are added to a ceremonial bonfire. This symbolic burning represents the letting go of the past year. Stay for the spectacular fireworks display, a fiery finale to an unforgettable evening.
4. Stroll Brighton Pier
Take a leisurely walk along Brighton Pier, lit up against the winter night sky. The mix of nostalgia and seaside charm adds to the magical atmosphere of the festival weekend.
Where to Eat
1. The Coal Shed
Warm up with hearty, fire-cooked dishes at this acclaimed Brighton restaurant. The menu features locally sourced meat and fish, perfect for a post-festival feast.
2. A Seafront Fish and Chip Shop
Enjoy a classic seaside meal of fish and chips. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or mulled cider as you watch the waves crash on the shore.
Survival Tips for Time Travellers
- Dress for the Weather: Brighton in December can be chilly and breezy. Wear warm layers, a hat, and gloves to stay cosy during the parade and bonfire.
- Arrive Early for the Parade: The streets fill up quickly, so stake out a good viewing spot or join the parade as a participant for the best experience.
- Bring a Camera: The glowing lanterns, bonfire, and fireworks create picture-perfect moments you won’t want to miss.
- Embrace the Spirit: The festival is about community and creativity, so let go of stress and immerse yourself in the magic of the evening.
Why This Weekend Matters
Brighton’s Burning of the Clocks is more than just a festival—it’s a modern celebration of time, creativity, and renewal. By marking the winter solstice with fire and light, it ties contemporary art and community spirit to ancient traditions. The event is a reminder of the cycles of time, the beauty of togetherness, and the importance of pausing to reflect as one year ends and another begins.
For students of history and culture, this festival offers a unique blend of the ancient and modern, demonstrating how traditions evolve while retaining their symbolic resonance.
Want to Know More?
Further Reading:
- The Origins of Solstice Celebrations by Barbara G. Walker
- Brighton and Hove Through Time by Kevin Newman
- A History of British Festivals and Celebrations by Melanie Sainsbury
Online Resources:
- Burning of the Clocks Official Website: www.samesky.co.uk
- Visit Brighton: www.visitbrighton.com
Local Insights:
- Interviews with lantern artists and festival organisers
- Articles on the history of Brighton’s creative culture
Final Thoughts
Brighton, December, is a city that knows how to light up the darkest nights. Burning of the Clocks is a celebration of creativity, time, and renewal, set against the enchanting backdrop of Brighton’s seaside. Whether you’re crafting a lantern or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this weekend promises to be a magical experience.
Pack your creativity and a warm scarf. Brighton—and the glow of the solstice fire—await!
