The summer solstice falls tomorrow and we’re remembering this natural phenomenon that’s steeped in tradition.


It occurs when one of Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt towards the Sun.

This happens twice yearly, once in each of the northern and southern hemispheres.

The summer solstice is the day with the longest period of daylight and shortest night of the year, when the Sun is at its highest position in the sky.

At either pole there is continuous daylight at the time of its summer solstice.

The opposite event is the winter solstice.
Since prehistory, the summer solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures, and has been marked by festivals and rituals.

Traditionally, it is seen as the middle of summer and is referred to as midsummer.
Although the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, the dates of earliest sunrise and latest sunset vary by a few days.

This is because Earth orbits the Sun in an ellipse, and its orbital speed varies slightly during the year.
Our main picture shows Neels Ferreira and Dan Grimshaw, who were involved in a Summer Solstice Break organised by four hotels at Castlerigg Stone Circle.

It included a talk from Cumbria’s druid leader Paul Bills, a druid blessing and an alfresco Cumbrian breakfast as the sun rose over the stones.

(Image: Newsquest)
Above is the official launch of the Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland Coast to Coast Summer Solstice Ladies Cycle Ride.

From left are participants Sarah Graham and Ruth Parker with Hospice at Home charity director Sheila Thompson.

(Image: Newsquest)

In another image, 50 cyclists are taking part in the ride.

(Image: Newsquest)

A picture from 2005 shows a dog event at Castlerigg Stone Circle on the eve of the summer solstice.

(Image: Newsquest)
Bad weather in 2012 meant a summer solstice picnic had to be relocated to Christ Church. Pictured are the Shackleford and Joyce families enjoying their lunches.

(Image: PA)

(Image: Newsquest)

Every year, thousands watch the sun rise over Stonehenge on the summer solstice and pictures show a crowd gathered at dawn and a woman touching the heel stone.

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA)

Our final two images are of Glastonbury where, in 2007, festival goers stood on an installation by the artist Banksy to celebrate the summer solstice.