Summer solstice events

Across the country, the longest day of the year is celebrated in an intriguing variety of ways. Jenny Oldaker shares a few shining examples of the UK’s midsummer calendar...

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Stonehenge

It’s difficult to imagine a more iconic spot to celebrate the solstice than at Wiltshire’s Stonehenge, which was built to align with the sun on the solstices. On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the northeast part of the horizon and its first rays shine into the heart of Stonehenge. Hordes of early risers gather each year to experience the magic of midsummer at one of the UK’s most famous ancient monuments via English Heritage’s Managed Open Access event. This year, access starts from 7pm on Saturday 20th June and ends at 8.30am on Sunday 21st June. Sunset is around 21:26pm on Saturday, and sunrise is 4.52am on Sunday. english-heritage.org.uk

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