This weekend, Brighton’s much-loved Pier-to-Pier Swim has been cancelled

This weekend, Brighton’s much-loved Pier-to-Pier Swim has been cancelled as organisers prioritise safety ahead of a Met Office severe weather warning. High winds and rough sea conditions in Brighton were forecast, prompting the event’s cancellation due to dangerous swimming conditions. Race organisers confirmed they made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel Saturday’s open water […]

This weekend, Brighton’s much-loved Pier-to-Pier Swim has been cancelled as organisers prioritise safety ahead of a Met Office severe weather warning.

High winds and rough sea conditions in Brighton were forecast, prompting the event’s cancellation due to dangerous swimming conditions. Race organisers confirmed they made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel Saturday’s open water swimming event and promised participants a full refund.

The Brighton Pier Swim has long been a highlight of the Brighton and Hove summer events calendar. With origins dating back decades, the tradition has only occasionally been called off, typically during wartime or extreme weather. The race, which draws dozens of open water swimmers from across the UK, spans from Brighton Palace Pier to West Pier, showcasing the city’s coastal spirit and community fitness events.

Brighton isn’t the only South Coast seaside town affected. Nearby Bournemouth Pier Swim has also been cancelled under similar UK coastal weather warnings. Across the region, organisers of outdoor events are advising attendees to monitor South East England weather updates and exercise caution near the sea.

The event team has confirmed that all entries will receive full refunds and hinted that early bird registration will roll over to next year. Meanwhile, Brighton seafront businesses and community groups—often active during the swim—are adjusting their plans and encouraging locals to support one another despite the setback. The RNLI and HM Coastguard remain on standby, reminding beachgoers that even mild-looking waters can be hazardous during periods of high wind and swell.

Although disappointed, many participants have expressed support for the decision, calling it “absolutely the right call.” Social media saw a wave of positive messages thanking the organisers for prioritising swimmer safety. The weekend’s forecast serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the natural power of the sea during any Brighton coastal event.

Looking ahead, the organisers are already exploring a rescheduled swim date or contingency plan if better weather returns later this summer. They are also reviewing event safety protocols, improving real-time weather alert systems, and keeping community partners informed. Local Brighton charities and swim clubs will remain engaged as planning shifts toward a bigger return in 2026.

While the cancellation of the 2025 Brighton Pier-to-Pier Swim is disappointing, it reflects a smart and safety-first response to unpredictable English Channel weather. Refunds are being processed, and plans are in motion for future races. The Brighton swimming community remains strong, with hopes high for clear skies and calmer seas next year.