Salutations to the sun—Summer Solstice is just around the corner! This Saturday (June 21) marks the longest day of the year, and we expect to see many celebrating Midsummer’s Day. From sunrise (04:53am) to sunset (09:31pm), this is a time to connect with the seasons, our ancestors and the Earth. Here’s how you can welcome the Summer Solstice with many unique and wonderful celebrations in and around Bristol.
1. Visit some ancient stones
There’s no bigger celebration of the Summer Solstice in the South West than at Stonehenge. Not a lot is known about this Neolithic monument, but we do know it was built to align with the sun on the Solstices. It’s one of the few times of the year you can get up close with these sacred stones, with celebrations starting in the evening on Friday (June 20).
As you can expect, the World Heritage Site can get pretty busy, but the sunrise will also be live-streamed on the English Heritage website. Alternatively, you could visit some lesser-known ancient sites. Wiltshire’s other (and older) stone circle, Avebury, will also host festival-like celebrations. But Bristol’s very own Stanton Drew Stone Circles are much closer.
Consisting of 26 standing stones, they’re the third-largest prehistoric standing stones in England, but often a lot quieter than the bigger brothers of Stonehenge and Avebury. A similarly spiritual site, many locals will gather here for the Summer Solstice near Bristol. Just without all the commotion. Expect an early sunrise gathering on June 21 for those looking for a relaxed and calm celebration.
2. Catch the sunrise from a hill
If you’re sticking to ancient sites, you can get to Glastonbury Tor quite easily thanks to the Mendip Explorer. Topped by St Michael’s Tower, this hill is steeped in Arthurian legend and was once called ‘The Isle of Avalon’ by ancient Britons. So, for obvious reasons, it held a special place in our ancestors’ hearts, and many will climb to the top at daybreak.
Bristol has several perfect vantage points of its own, however, where you should head to catch the day’s start or end. Troopers Hill is perfect for sunrise, while The Downs is still my favourite sunset spot. But you can spend all day soaking up the sunshine in any of Bristol’s many beautiful green spaces (just remember the sunscreen).
3. Go for a very early morning swim
We’d never usually condone outdoor swimming in the dark, but we’ll make an exception this time. West Country Water Park will welcome the longest day of the year with a Summer Solstice Sunrise Swim at 4:30 am. Afterwards, refuel with a preordered breakfast with a view over the lake.
4. Party the day away
Midsommar Mansion is a huge summery gig held at Ashton Court on Friday and Saturday, showing off Bristol’s very best musicians in noise-rock, post-punk, freak folk, nu-jazz, heavy psych and more. There’s no better way to celebrate the start of the Summer Solstice than music!
If drum ‘n’ bass and jungle are more your jam, however, then check out Hooked On Drum & Bass – Liquid Special at Lost Horizon. The all-day rave in the Yard Bar will be soaking up the sun, tunes and vibes with an eclectic line-up of DJs.
5. Gather at Springfield Allotments
The night before Summer Solstice (Friday, June 20), head to Springfield Allotments for live music from Ryan Mcmurtry, a moth talk from BS3 Moth Club, flower hammering, a welly wang, open mic sessions, and much more. Get your ticket here.
6. Head on a singing walk
The day after Summer Solstice (Sunday, June 22), join Julia Turner and Rachael Dadd for a singing workshop to mark the longest day of the year. Learn simple songs on a mile-long walk through the woods of Ahston Court and up and down hills to foster a connection with the Earth. Get your tickets here.