City marks National Covid-19 Day of Reflection

On Sunday 8 March 2026, Brighton & Hove will mark the National Covid-19 Day of Reflection, pausing as a city to remember everyone who lost their life during the pandemic.

This year, the council will also plant a new memorial tree in the city, creating a lasting place of reflection. A short ceremony in the near future will accompany the planting to honour those who died and to recognise the profound impact the pandemic had on families, friends and communities across Brighton & Hove.

The day provides an opportunity for residents to come together in remembrance, and to recognise the dedication, sacrifice and compassion shown across our communities during an extraordinary and challenging period in our shared history.

Council Leader Bella Sankey is encouraging residents to use the Day of Reflection to remember those we have lost. She said: “On this Day of Reflection, we pause to remember everyone who has died since the pandemic began. Behind every number is a person, a family and a story, and many people in Brighton & Hove are still living with that loss.

“This is also a moment to recognise the huge effort made by our communities. I want to thank our NHS and social care staff, frontline workers and researchers, as well as the volunteers and neighbours who stepped up to support others, from checking in on people who were isolated to delivering food and medicines when it mattered most.

“As we reflect today, let’s remember those we lost, recognise the kindness and resilience shown across our city, and carry forward the sense of community that helped Brighton & Hove through such a challenging time.”

Former Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, who championed a memorial tree to mark the impact of the pandemic on Brighton & Hove residents during his mayoral term, said: “I’m very proud to have this memorial to the impact Covid continues to have on communities across Brighton & Hove as a legacy of my mayoral term.

“I hope the tree provides a space where people can remember the friends and family lost and reflect on how our communities came together to support each other through those very tough times.

"This memorial tree will carry a deep meaning for many in our community. It is intended not only as a tribute to those we lost during the pandemic, but also as a living symbol of resilience, reflection and hope."