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The Burning of the Clocks 2026

The Burning of the Clocks is a celebration of The Winter Solstice on 21st December when Brighton city centre lights up

The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton
The Burning of the Clocks, Brighton

  • Event Dates

    From: Monday, December 21, 2026
    To: Monday, December 21, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • The parade
    • Fire-show
    • Musicians
    • Drummers
    • Glowing lanterns

The Burning of the Clocks 2026

Burning the Clocks marks the winter solstice in Brighton with a spectacular lantern procession through the city, ending on the seafront with fire, music and fireworks.

Stay at Drakes Hotel, a boutique seafront hotel close to Kemptown and within easy walking distance of the beachfront celebrations.

Burning the Clocks – The Event

  • Next Edition: Monday, December 21, 2026.
  • The event returns in full after taking a fallow year in 2025.
  • The 2026 theme is Magicada, representing rest followed by a noisy awakening.
  • Organised by Same Sky, Brighton’s community arts charity.
  • Check out the 10 best hotels in Brighton.

Brighton’s Winter Solstice Celebration

  • Burning the Clocks was created by Same Sky in 1994 as an alternative way for Brighton’s communities to celebrate the festive season regardless of faith.
  • Thousands of people gather on the shortest day of the year carrying handmade paper and willow lanterns through the city. The procession builds towards the beach, where the lanterns are passed into a huge bonfire before the night ends with a fire show and fireworks.
  • The event now attracts around 30,000 spectators, making it one of Brighton’s biggest winter celebrations.

Magicada – The 2026 Theme

  • Burning the Clocks returns after its 2025 fallow year with a new theme, Magicada.
  • The theme reflects the cicada’s cycle of disappearing underground before returning with sound and energy, mirroring the event’s year away and its return to Brighton’s streets.
  • Same Sky associate artist Nikki Gunson was commissioned to create the central 2026 effigy.

The Procession

  • Expect a large lantern parade through central Brighton towards the seafront.
  • Around 2,000 participants typically take part in the procession.
  • Spectators can watch from the streets without joining the official parade.
  • Lantern-making workshops and participation information are released by Same Sky ahead of the event.
  • The parade finishes on Brighton’s seafront for the fire finale.

The Beach Finale

Madeira Drive – Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1PS.

  • The procession reaches the seafront for the final part of the winter solstice celebration.
  • Participants place their handmade lanterns into the ceremonial fire.
  • The finale combines the burning of the lanterns with a large central effigy and fire performance.
  • Fireworks traditionally close the evening over Brighton’s seafront.

Taking Part

  • Watching Burning the Clocks is free, but taking part in the lantern procession requires preparation ahead of the event.
  • Same Sky works with local community groups and runs lantern-making workshops in the build-up to 21st December. Participants create paper and willow lanterns inspired by the annual theme.
  • Check the official Burning the Clocks website for participation details and the final programme.

Where to Stay

Stay on the seafront or around Kemptown for easy access to the procession finale, restaurants and Brighton’s gay bars.

Gay Brighton – After Burning the Clocks

Kemptown is the natural place to continue after the seafront finale, with Brighton’s main gay bars concentrated around St James’s Street and Marine Parade.

  • Affinity Bar – 129 St James’s Street – LGBTQ+ cocktail bar with drag, DJs and regular entertainment.
  • The Actors – 4 Prince’s Street – LGBTQ+ community pub and performance venue overlooking the Royal Pavilion.
  • Marine Tavern – 13 Broad Street – Tiny gay-owned pub with a friendly local crowd and regular drag entertainment.
  • The Bulldog – 31 St James’s Street – One of Brighton’s longest-running gay venues with cabaret, DJs and fetish nights.
  • The Queens Arms – 7-8 George Street – Long-running gay cabaret bar with drag, karaoke and a lively Kemptown crowd.
  • Revenge – 32-34 Old Steine – Brighton’s best-known LGBTQ+ nightclub with multiple floors, drag, DJs and a rooftop terrace.

Other Gay Events in Brighton

  • Brighton Pride – July-August. One of the UK’s biggest Pride weekends with the parade, Preston Park festival, Pride Village Party and club events across the city.
  • Brighton Bear Weekend – July. Four days for bears, cubs and friends with social events, parties, cabaret and fundraising across Kemptown.
  • Fabuloso in the Park – July-August. Two-day Brighton Pride festival at Preston Park with major live acts, DJs, cabaret and queer performance.
  • DILF Brighton – Selected months. Men-focused party bringing DILF’s house music, gear-friendly format and DJs to Brighton for special editions.
  • BEEFMINCE Brighton – December. BEEFMINCE brings its big, bearded and body-positive London party format to Brighton for a winter edition.

Gay Map of Brighton

Most of the Brighton gay bars and pubs are located in the city’s ‘Gay Quarter’ in Brighton’s Kemp Town – a compact strip of pubs and clubs just moments from the seafront.

Address:Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU, United Kingdom

  • Large seafront hotel housed in a restored Victorian property.
  • Many rooms feature direct views across the English Channel.
  • Indoor pool, gym, sauna, and steam room support longer stays.
  • Bar and restaurant provide convenient on-site dining.
  • Popular with conference guests yet accessible for leisure breaks.
  • Well placed for reaching Brighton’s shops, beach, and nightlife.
  • Website

Address: 6 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2GS, United Kingdom

  • Seafront hotel with 210 rooms, many offering sea views.
  • Amenities include indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center.
  • Dining options: Promenade Restaurant, Atrium and Seaview bars.
  • Central location near Brighton's main attractions.
  • Offers underground parking and is close to the train station.
  • Ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
  • Website

Address: 149 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2PP, United Kingdom

  • 4-star hotel in a Grade II-listed Victorian building.
  • Features period details like original mirrors and chandeliers.
  • Some rooms offer sea views; Coastal restaurant serves local dishes.
  • Amenities include free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service.
  • Located near Brighton's attractions like the Palace Pier & The Lanes.
  • Offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • Website

Address: 97-99 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FW, United Kingdom

  • Landmark Victorian hotel set directly on Brighton seafront.
  • Grand interiors with period features and modern updates.
  • Many rooms offer uninterrupted sea-facing views.
  • Restaurant and terrace bar create a lively social hub.
  • Popular choice for celebratory stays and short breaks.
  • Well placed for the beach, shopping streets, and nightlife.
  • Website

Address: 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE, United Kingdom

  • Boutique hotel in two Georgian townhouses.
  • Offers 20 individually styled rooms, some with sea views.
  • Features a cocktail bar overlooking Brighton Pier.
  • On-site fine dining at Dilsk restaurant.
  • Located near Royal Pavilion and The Lanes.
  • Known for attentive service and stylish accommodations.
  • Website

Address: 75-76 Grand Parade, Brighton, BN2 9JA, United Kingdom

  • Private members, male-only gay cruise bar in central Brighton.
  • Located above Brighton Sauna with a discreet entrance.
  • Structured around cruising zones and low-lit social areas.
  • Themed nights bring in locals and weekend visitors.
  • Focused venue for men wanting an adult, no-distractions setting.
  • Open: Fri-Sat 3pm-4am
  • Website

Address: 129 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH, United Kingdom

  • Gay bar set along the busy stretch of St James’s Street.
  • Modern interior with a layout built for mingling.
  • Regular drag, karaoke, and cabaret shape the weekly rhythm.
  • Draws a mixed crowd from early evening onward.
  • Reliable stop for drinks within Brighton’s core gay area.
  • Open: Mon-Sun 12pm-12am
  • Website

Address: 10 Steine Street, Brighton, BN2 1TE, United Kingdom

  • Gay bar in Kemptown built around a musical theatre theme.
  • Cabaret, drag, and singalong nights shape the experience.
  • Stylish interior with space for live performances.
  • Attracts theatre lovers alongside Brighton regulars.
  • Lively setting suited to groups and social evenings.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sun 4pm-10pm
  • Facebook

Address: 75 St George's Road, Brighton, BN2 1EF, United Kingdom

  • Private members bar for over 25s in Brighton's LGBTQ+ district.
  • Features two floors: lounge bar and Scottish-themed basement.
  • Hosts regular events like quiz nights and themed parties.
  • Known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Popular spot for locals seeking a community-focused venue.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 4pm–11pm, Fri 4pm–12am,
  • Sat 12pm–12am, Sun 12pm–8pm
  • Website

Address: 13 Broad Street, Brighton, BN2 1TJ, United Kingdom

  • Gay-owned pub in Brighton's Kemptown district.
  • Features regular drag shows, karaoke, and bingo nights.
  • Dog-friendly venue with a traditional pub setting.
  • Actively involved in community fundraising events.
  • Popular spot for locals and visitors seeking a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Open: Mon–Sat 12pm–1am, Sun 12pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 129–130 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH, United Kingdom

  • LGBTQ+ cocktail bar in Brighton's Kemptown district.
  • Undersea-themed decor with live entertainment events.
  • Offers a diverse menu of cocktails and mocktails.
  • Hosts open mic nights, piano performances, and quizzes.
  • Welcoming atmosphere for all patrons.
  • Open: Wed-Thu 7pm-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-1am, Sun 6pm-11:30pm
  • Facebook

Address: 7–8 George Street, Brighton, BN2 1RH, United Kingdom

  • Gay cabaret bar located in Brighton's Kemptown district.
  • Features nightly drag performances and karaoke events.
  • Recognizable pink exterior with pride flags.
  • Inclusive environment welcoming to all patrons.
  • Recipient of the Golden Handbag award for Best Cabaret Bar.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri 12pm-2am, Sat-Sun 2pm-2am
  • Instagram

Address: 33 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1RF, United Kingdom

  • Established gay bar positioned along Brighton’s main LGBTQ+ strip.
  • Pub-style interior encourages conversation and group visits.
  • Regular karaoke, cabaret, and live music shape the weekly flow.
  • Draws a blended crowd of locals, visitors, and daytime drinkers.
  • Solid choice for easygoing drinks with entertainment on most nights.
  • Open: Mon-Fri 11am-12am, Sat-Sun 10am-12am
  • Instagram

Address: 2-3 High Street, Brighton, BN2 1RP, United Kingdom

  • Caribbean-inspired bar close to Brighton’s beachfront.
  • Gay-friendly venue with a mixed, social crowd.
  • Tropical cocktails lead the menu behind the bar.
  • Courtyard seating adds space for outdoor drinks.
  • Good warm-up stop ahead of bigger nightlife venues.
  • Open: Mon-Sun 12pm-1am
  • instagram

Address: 4 Prince's Street, Brighton, BN2 1RD, United Kingdom

  • Gay-led pub and theatre in Brighton’s Kemptown district.
  • Hosts open mic nights, poetry readings, and themed events.
  • Features an on-site theatre for diverse performances.
  • Offers craft beers and pizzas from Pizza Face.
  • Recognized as a community asset in Brighton's cultural scene.
  • Open: Mon 4pm–11pm, Tue–Thu 4pm–12am,
  • Fri–Sat 12pm–1am, Sun 12pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 30–31 Camelford Street, Brighton, BN2 1TQ, United Kingdom

  • Gay-friendly pub in Brighton’s Kemptown district.
  • Offers live blues music on Sundays and a popular Thursday quiz.
  • Features a Moroccan-inspired garden for outdoor seating.
  • Dog-friendly and serving award-winning Sunday roasts.
  • A staple in the local community with a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 12pm–11pm, Fri–Sat 12pm–1am, Sun 12pm–11pm
  • Website

Address: 8–9 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TA, United Kingdom

  • Established gay bar with a lively, entertainment-led format.
  • Drag quizzes, cabaret, and DJs drive the weekly schedule.
  • Food menu adds flexibility for longer visits.
  • Atmosphere ramps up steadily as the night progresses.
  • Draws a mixed crowd looking for an upbeat social space.
  • Open: Mon–Tue 12pm–12am, Wed–Thu 12pm–1am,
  • Fri 12pm–3am, Sat 11am–3am, Sun 11am–1am
  • Website

Address: 5-7 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TA, United Kingdom

  • Gay bar with a flexible, all-day social atmosphere.
  • Multi-level interior offers both lively and calmer spaces.
  • Drag events, karaoke, and DJs shape the weekly lineup.
  • Draws a blended crowd from afternoon into late night.
  • Strong choice for drinks with entertainment near the water.
  • Open: Mon-Sun 12pm-1am
  • Website

Address: 32-34 Old Steine, Brighton, BN1 1EL, United Kingdom

  • Brighton's largest and most iconic gay nightclub.
  • Multi-level venue with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.
  • Themed VIP booths and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
  • Hosts weekly events like "ROAR," "Fruity," "Camp Out,".
  • Renowned for welcoming international pop stars, DJs & drag queens.
  • Open:Mon, Thu-Sat 11pm–late
  • Website

Address: 31–34 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TR, United Kingdom

  • LGBTQ+ venue featuring a seafront bar, terrace, and basement club.
  • Hosts drag cabaret, themed parties, and DJ-led club nights.
  • Basement Club events include Glitter Curious & Friday Night Shift.
  • Offers a relaxed café-bar vibe by day & lively entertainment by night.
  • Popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking diverse nightlife.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 10am–3am, Fri–Sun 10am–5am
  • Facebook

Address: 30 Western Street, Brighton, BN1 2PG, United Kingdom

  • Gay pub offering a cozy, traditional atmosphere.
  • Hosts drag shows, karaoke nights, and musical bingo events.
  • Known for friendly staff and a welcoming environment.
  • Offers well-reviewed Sunday roasts and a selection of drinks.
  • Dog-friendly venue serving as a community gathering spot.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 3pm–10pm, Fri 3pm–1am,
  • Sat 1pm–1am, Sun 12pm–11pm
  • Facebook

Address: 16 Western Street, Brighton, BN1 2PG, United Kingdom

  • Gay bar offering a cozy, traditional atmosphere.
  • Hosts regular drag shows and bingo nights.
  • Known for friendly staff and a welcoming environment.
  • Dog-friendly venue serving as a community gathering spot.
  • Provides entertainment for a diverse crowd.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 1pm–12am, Fri 1pm–12am,
  • Sat 12pm–12am, Sun 12pm–12am
  • Facebook

Recommended Hotels in Brighton By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Brighton that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Leonardo Royal Hotel
4 Star, Luxury

Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront
Booking.com
  • 4-star luxury, seafront location with pool and spa.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Air-conditioned, flat-screen TV.
  • Perfect for seaside relaxation, offering stunning sea views and convenient access to Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion.
Check Rates with Booking.com

The Grand Brighton
4 Star, Readers Choice

The Grand Brighton
Booking.com
  • 4-star, Renaissance style on Brighton’s seafront.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Egyptian cotton linen, bathrobes.
  • Offers a blend of luxury and history, ideal for experiencing Brighton’s seafront elegance and cultural landmarks.
Check Rates with Booking.com

Square Townhouse
4 Star, Great Value

Square Townhouse
Booking.com
  • 4-star, in fashionable Kemp Town, Regency garden square.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Ocean views, exclusive bar.
  • Combines style and comfort, perfect for enjoying Brighton’s vibrant atmosphere and seafront, with pampering options available.
Check Rates with Booking.com

Staybridge Suites
4 Star, Location

Staybridge Suites
Booking.com
  • 4-star, near Brighton Beach and cultural attractions.
  • A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
  • Air-conditioned rooms.
  • Ideal for extended stays, offering modern amenities, close to Brighton’s attractions and beach for a convenient experience.
Check Rates with Booking.com

Video of The Burning of the Clocks,

Burning The Clocks 2018

Drakes Hotel Brighton

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