Summer solstice 2022 is officially almost upon us.
Celebrated by thousands every year, the summer solstice is known as the astronomical sign that summer has started!
If you’re not familiar with the summer solstice, don’t worry. We’ll be filling you in on everything you need to know.
Read on to discover the ultimate Summer Solstice Guide…
The summer solstice is the UK’s oldest festival, and it marks the end of the spring season and the start of summer. Every summer solstice, thousands of people gather across the country to celebrate in unison.
The summer solstice is celebrated throughout the entire day, however, it actually represents the moment when the sun is at the farthest north in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in more sunlight throughout the day.
It changes every year, but it always lands at the end of June. Usually, the date for the summer solstice falls between the 20th and the 22nd of June.
This year, the summer solstice will be celebrated on the 21st of June, 2022.
Yep. It’s the longest day of the year – so you’re much better off having something planned or it’ll drag! The total amount of hours in the day doesn’t change. What will change, however, is the number of daylight hours.
The easiest way to think of it is the summer solstice is the ‘peak’, marking the beginning of summer with the longest day of the year. Throughout the summer months, the days will then begin to get shorter and shorter.
Who remembers the days when it gets dark at 4 pm? Well, this is what we’re hurling towards. But don’t worry! The change will be slow at first, with the sunset starting to rise a few minutes later. And gradually, it’ll start to get later and later, in preparation for autumn and winter.
On the 21st of June 2022, the Northern Hemisphere sunrise will begin at approximately 4 am, depending on where you are. In the UK, the sun will rise at 4.43 am (give or take).
The summer solstice will grant us a whopping 16 hours and 45 minutes of daylight.
We did warn you earlier that the day would drag if you didn’t make the most of it! So, if the weather forecast is looking good on that day in your area – get your walking boots on and hit the hills, explore nature and make the most of it.
Nope, we have two a year. We have the summer solstice and the winter solstice.
Think of the winter solstice as the opposite of the summer solstice. This is when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky, marking the shortest day of the year.
What this usually means is that we will receive the fewest hours of daylight. Last year, the winter solstice 2021 gave us just under eight hours of daylight, as the sunset began at around 8.04 am and set at approximately 3.45 pm.
So, if you compare it to the 16 + hours we’re going to receive this year during the summer solstice – there’s a stark contrast.
Here are the most recognised superstitions and traditions associated with the summer solstice in the UK:
The summer solstice is celebrated across the world, with each location having its own way of doing things – and in more ways than one!
For example, China celebrates the summer solstice by throwing an annual Dragon Boat Festival, which is said to ward off negative energy.
In Austria, they celebrate the summer solstice by gathering in mountains and creating numerous bonfires, which is then usually accompanied by music and a feast. And, in New York City, well… they celebrate by doing a huge yoga event!
What we’re trying to say is that each place has its unique way of celebrating the summer solstice. And of course, when the summer solstice is celebrated will also differ. For example, the summer solstice won’t begin until our wintertime for those living in the Southern Hemisphere.
Some pretty incredible natural spots are popular amongst those who celebrate the summer solstice. However, the most popular summer solstice celebration is held at Stonehenge, which is located in Wiltshire, England.
Thousands of people gather at Stonehenge during the summer solstice to watch the sunrise.
It really is quite a fascinating experience, as the sun rises behind the Heel Stone, which is known as the ancient entrance to the circle. Throughout the sunrise, you’ll witness the light from the sunrise being channelled to fall into the centre of the monument.
Because of the accuracy in positioning of the Stonehenge, many people believe that the summer solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years – as the prehistoric monument dates back to 3100 BC. That’s approximately 5,000 years ago.
Although Stonehenge is the most popular spot to celebrate the summer solstice in the UK, many choose to visit somewhere in nature to watch the sunrise instead.
If you’re heading outdoors to celebrate the summer solstice this year, check out some of our newest stock to make the whole experience more enjoyable, now available at Winfields Outdoors.
Introducing the ECCO Womens Offroad Performance Walking Sandals – not only perfectly suited to the summer solstice, but also for the whole summer season ahead!
If you’re planning on walking up to Stonehenge for the summer solstice, this trusty pair of walking sandals will without a doubt provide you with the comfort and support you need to do so with ease.
This stylish footwear option is lightweight without compromising on durability, and they’ll ensure that your feet stay fresh all summer long.
Introducing the ECCO Mens Offroad Performance Walking Sandals – perfect for those who are looking for a lightweight and comfortable footwear option.
Ideal for warmer weather, this footwear option will provide you with unparalleled comfort and support whilst exploring the great outdoors, as they are specially designed to allow you to tackle tough terrain with ease.
What’s more, these superb sandals from ECCO feature advanced RECEPTOR® technology, providing the wearer with dynamic support and enhanced stability. So, if you love to go exploring off-trail – these are the walking shoes for you.
Perfect for celebrating the summer solstice in style. Introducing the Berghaus Mens Organic Classic Logo Short Sleeved T-Shirt – brand new to Winfields Outdoors.
If you love to explore the great outdoors comfortably without compromising on style, this is the tee for you.
This premium organic cotton Berghaus creation features logo detailing on the front chest area and comes in three different colour finishes. This includes Dusk Blue, Black, White and Ivy Green.
Made to match any outfit choice, if you’ve been looking for a superb quality staple t-shirt for the summer months ahead, you can’t go wrong with Berghaus.
Lastly, we have the perfect outdoor t-shirt option for women – introducing the Tentree Womens Floral Logo T-Shirt!
This is an ultra-comfortable and lightweight t-shirt option, perfect for the warmer months ahead. What’s more, this Tentree tee is super stylish and on-trend, with logo detailing showcased on the front, which is also accompanied by floral patterns.
Offering a relaxed fit and a crew neck finish, the Tentree Womens Floral Logo T-Shirt is available in two different colours, which includes Blue Fog and Crushed Berry. If this t-shirt option isn’t for you, check out the rest of our Tentree selection for more options today. Tentree is a sustainable brand, meaning that all its products are ethical and kinder to our environment.
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