June 21 is the longest day of the year. If you’re wondering what to do with all those extra hours of daylight, why not check out one of the many Summer Solstice events taking place across the UK and Ireland?
Summer Solstice celebrates the start of summer (measured in astronomical terms) and has been marked ever since Stonehenge was built to track the sun’s progress some 5,000 years ago.
You can still witness the age-old ritual of Summer Solstice at Stonehenge today. Join white-cloaked druids as they chant “arises o sun” to welcome the first rays of sunlight over the sacred stones. If you can’t make it to Wiltshire, fear not, there are lots of other events going on to help you celebrate summer’s peak.
1.Solstice Night Ride London to Hastings
Brake the Cycle is organising a free bike ride over 75 undulating miles, including a pub stop and maybe even a wild swim, for those feeling particularly adventurous. Taking place on the weekend after the Solstice, the ride will depart from the Rye pub in Peckham at 9pm on June 23 and arrive in Hastings around 6am on June 24. The organisers describe it as not a sports event, but rather “an opportunity to ride with others, make new friends, and hopefully see a magical sunrise.”
Credit: Brake the CycleAbriachan Forest is set high above the shores of Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland. It makes a magical setting for a Solstice evening of ancient astronomy and storytelling. The event starts at 7pm with a talk by local astronomer Stephen Mackintosh, teaching about solar and lunar time keeping, horizon calendars and henges, and seasonal constellations. You’ll then step back in time to sample the entertainment of our ancestors, as storyteller and countryside ranger Clelland McCallum recounts an ancient tale around the flames of an open campfire.
Credit: Abriachan Forest TrustWant to party your way into summer? How about an all-day terrace party taking place on Sunday, June 24? With the festivities kicking off at 2pm, you can dance under the mid-summer sun to “supernatural summer vibes”. Taking place at Ibiza-style megaclub Studio 338 in South London, the fun promises to continue late into the evening.
Credit: Summer Solstice FestivalExperience relaxation on a deep level by climbing onboard a narrowboat for a spot of Summer Solstice sound therapy. Organised by Dudley Canal Trust, you will be gently transported through the canal tunnels to the magnificent Singing Cavern for an hour of deep relaxation. Lying on comfortable airbeds, you will be immersed in the therapeutic sounds of the mars, chau, sun and wind gongs, allowing the body’s systems to relax, re-balance and re-energise.
Credit: Dudley Canal TrustKillruddery House and Gardens in Bray, Ireland will be marking both International Yoga Day and the Summer Solstice with a Summer Solstice Yoga Celebration. The event, taking place in the venue’s gardens, starts at 4pm with a fun and playful kids’ yoga class. This will be followed by a slow and mindful practice for all ages and abilities, then a physical practice with an invigorating Kundalini yoga kriya to honour the solstice. The evening will conclude with a long table supper with food created by Killruddery chefs from their farm and garden produce. Attendance is by donation and all proceeds raised will go to Focus Ireland and Mary’s Meals.
Credit: Killruddery House and GardensThis concert is organised as part of the Marylebone Music Festival, which aims to bring the world’s top artistic talent to unique venues around London’s Marylebone. ‘The Sign of Four’ will take place inside the Embassy of Switzerland on Montagu Place at 8pm on June 21. The Sostoce String Quartet (winners of the Royal Overseas League 2009) will perform Bartok’s third String Quartet Sz.85 and Beethoven’s second Razumovsky Quartet Opus.59.no.2 The Marylebone Music Festival festival runs from June 21-24
Marylebone Music FestivalThe custodians of Blairbeth Urban Greenspace are urging people to release their inner hippy and join them on an extended summer stroll through the park focussing on health and wellbeing. Blairbeth Urban Greenspace is the redevelopment of the former Blairbeth Golf Course, now providing an accessible outdoor space overlooking the Glasgow skyline for the benefit of the surrounding communities. The Summer Solstice walk will end with some chat and cooking round the fire and a chance to relax in hammocks – flowers in hair/guitars optional!
Credit: Blairbeth Urban GreenspaceSeeking an iconic place to welcome in the Summer Solstice dawn? How about the summit of Snowdon? Mountain Escapes is leading an expedition, which leaves from Snowdon Mountain Railway in Llanberis at 11.30pm on June 20. You will scale the mountain over the course of four hours and be in position to watch the sunrise over the Welsh 3000 peaks at 4.52am. As well as breathtaking views, you will also get to enjoy hot chocolate, cake and a little tipple.
Credit: Mountain EscapesIf you want to look the part on June 21, you’ll need a beautiful crown of fresh flowers. Join Bloom & Wild in East London the day before the Solstice to learn how to make one. The flower crown workshop, held in celebration of British Flower Week, will teach you all the steps in crafting a stunning flower crown to take home. Advice on how to care for and make the most of your flowers will also be given. The event is hosted by Free People at their pop-up store in Shoreditch and includes a complimentary drink from Longflint Cocktails.
Credit: Bloom & WildFollow in the footsteps of women throughout the ages by gathering to mark the Solstice with a ritual that involves voice, movement and song. The outdoor workshop will take place in a magical natural setting near Donegal Town in Ireland. According to life coach Sara Anderson, who will lead the workshop, the Solstice is “an auspicious time for doing healing work, opening up and manifesting our dreams”. The evening will conclude with a Solstice pot supper around a campfire.
Credit: Sara AndersonConclusion
Whether you want to nurture your spiritual side, or enjoy spirits of a different kind, there’s a wonderful selection of Summer Solstice events to choose from. Check out our listings to see what’s on in your area.
