Brighton’s much-loved winter tradition, Burning the Clocks, will not take place this year. But while the parade, performances, fireworks and beach bonfire are on pause, the spirit of the event is very much alive.
On Sunday December 21, Same Sky will unveil Magicada, a striking new large-scale lantern sculpture created by artist Nikki Gunson, giving the city a powerful glimpse into the future of Burning the Clocks and the theme for its much-anticipated return in 2026.
Magicada Lantern Sculpture Reveal
- Date: Sunday December 21 2025
- Time: 4 to 8pm
- Location: Outside St Peter’s Church, York Place, Brighton, BN1 4GU
The Magicada installation will be on public display in the square outside St Peter’s Church, offering an opportunity for Brighton residents and visitors to come together on the shortest day and longest night of the year — a date deeply rooted in the history of Burning the Clocks.
Keeping the Flame Alive
After making the difficult decision to take a year off in 2025 due to funding challenges, Same Sky is hosting this lantern sculpture reveal to keep the Burning the Clocks flame alight.
Magicada is more than an artwork — it represents a symbolic rest followed by a noisy awakening, and will play a central role in the 2026 Burning the Clocks street parade. By unveiling the effigy early, Same Sky hopes to inspire people across the city to get involved next year as lantern makers, volunteers, participants, partners or sponsors.
The event will also give attendees the chance to meet some of the artists, makers and behind-the-scenes team who bring Burning the Clocks to life each year.
A Brighton Tradition
First created by Same Sky in 1994, Burning the Clocks has become a defining part of Brighton’s cultural fabric. Held annually on December 21, the festival celebrates the passing of time by inviting people to carry handmade lanterns — filled with hopes, dreams and reflections — through the streets, before burning symbolic clocks in a beach bonfire and welcoming the return of the sun.
Crucially, Burning the Clocks is a non-religious, inclusive celebration, created to bring people together during the festive season regardless of faith or background.
Alongside the main event, Same Sky runs free community lantern-making workshops, working with local groups including homeless young people, single fathers and young carers. These workshops offer creative connection, pride and belonging, using art as a shared language.
About Same Sky
Same Sky is an award-winning, artist-led community arts charity that has been creating spectacular events since 1987. Known for luminous night-time parades, large-scale puppets and floats, fire shows and imaginative costumes, the charity works closely with local authorities, schools, community groups, festivals and businesses.
At the heart of Same Sky’s mission is connection — bringing people together, encouraging equality and belonging, and creating shared creative experiences that leave a lasting impact.
How to Support Same Sky
As an unfunded event and a huge undertaking for a small but powerful charity, Burning the Clocks relies heavily on community support.
There are many ways to get involved:
- Volunteer in community outreach, making or event production
- Sponsor as a local business or partner
- Purchase merchandise, including:
- £40 Lantern Making Kits
- Limited edition Voyager Prints (£96)
- A range of authentic art prints
Same Sky has also said they are taking this time to focus on their resources and strategically review what the future of the charity will look like — with the goal of returning stronger in 2026.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While Burning the Clocks takes a pause this year, Magicada offers Brighton a moment of reflection, creativity and collective anticipation. The city is invited to gather, to witness, and to begin preparing for a bright and beautifully themed Burning the Clocks 2026.
If you’re in Brighton this December, the Magicada lantern sculpture reveal is a meaningful way to mark the solstice — and a reminder of the power of community, creativity and light in the darkest part of the year.
For updates and upcoming events, keep an eye on Same Sky’s social media channels and website.
