Burning of the Clocks
On the winter solstice, thousands of people parade handmade paper-and-willow lanterns shaped like clocks through Brighton's streets, then burn them in a huge bonfire on the beach. The idea is to symbolically burn away the old year and welcome longer days. Fireworks, drummers, and a giant wicker structure complete the scene.
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Up Helly Aa
The Lerwick Up Helly Aa is Europe's largest fire festival. A thousand-strong torchlit procession of Vikings in full regalia marches through Shetland's capital before hurling their torches into a replica longship, burning it to ashes. The night ends with ceilidh dancing until dawn. It's dark, it's loud, it smells of paraffin.
fireTar Barrel Rolling
Locals set fire to full-sized tar barrels and carry them through the narrow streets of Ottery St Mary on their shoulders, before rolling them down the hill. Participants wear leather gloves and asbestos aprons. Children get their own smaller barrels. The town smells of burning tar for days.