South celebrates summer solstice

21 June 2024

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People were seen swimming just after sunrise near Wolvercote, in Oxfordshire
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Some canine companions even took in the sunrise, including near Whitchurch in Hampshire
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The ancient Rollright Stones formation in Oxfordshire also attracts visitors to watch the sunrise
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The sunrise illuminated the sky near Blandford, Dorset
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The sun rose at about 04:50 BST in Westbourne, Dorset
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The sunrise did not stop travellers near Basingstoke
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Many people woke early to capture the sunrise, including in Godshill on the Isle of Wight

People across the South have gathered to celebrate the summer solstice.

Revellers awoke early on Friday morning to catch a glimpse of the sunrise at about 04:50 BST.

The solstice occurs every year on the day the Earth's northern hemisphere is tilted most closely toward the sun.

This also marks the longest day and shortest night of the year - and takes place around 21 June each year.

It is the astronomical start of summer in the northern hemisphere, and has been rooted in druid and pagan rituals for thousands of years.

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