British Summer Time 2026: Clocks to go forward as evenings get longer

Residents across the UK are preparing for a brighter shift as the date for moving the clocks forward has been confirmed for 2026. This transition marks the official start of British Summer Time (BST), bringing much-welcomed longer daylight hours to the capital's streets.

For the Turkish and Kurdish communities in Enfield and Hackney, the shift is often seen as the beginning of the "mangal" (barbecue) season and increased social activity in local parks and community centers.

When to change your clocks

In 2026, the clocks will go forward by one hour at 01:00 on Sunday, March 29. While most modern smartphones and computers in Haringey and Barnet will update automatically, manual clocks and watches will need to be adjusted before bed on Saturday night.

The change means the UK will move from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to BST, effectively "losing" an hour of sleep on the night but gaining significantly more sunlight in the evenings.

Impact on daily life

The extension of daylight is expected to provide a boost to local businesses, particularly outdoor cafes and restaurants in Islington and Camden, as residents stay out longer to enjoy the spring air.

Safety experts also note that the move to BST often leads to a decrease in evening road accidents due to better visibility during the rush hour commute for workers travelling through Southwark and Lewisham.

Looking ahead

While there have been recurring debates across Europe regarding the permanent abolition of seasonal clock changes, the UK continues to follow the traditional system. For now, Londoners can look forward to the sunset occurring much later in the day starting from the end of March, signaling the countdown to summer.