South celebrates summer solstice

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

21 June 2024

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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