2 w. ago Photos of global celebrations marking the start of the summer and winter solstices

People are marking the start of the winter and summer solstices across the globe. North of the equator, celebrations welcome summer, while those in the south observe the beginning of winter.

Culture

2 w. ago Brighton’s transfer push backed by ‘physicality’ and cutting

Tony Bloom has already bought three players this summer and can act quickly thanks to in-depth background researchIt may not have been Tony Bloom’s week at Ascot for once but at least the Brighton owner could console himself by securing yet another signing for his football team before the summer solstice was here.Confirmation of the Italy Under-21s defender Diego Coppola’s arrival on the south coast as Lake Forest finished a disappointing fifth in the Queen Anne Stakes took Brighton’s buys to three and the club are expected to announce any day that Olivier Boscagli is joining on a free from PSV Eindhoven. In with Coppola, who has joined from Verona, have come Sunderland’s 19-year-old playoff hero, Tommy Watson, for £10m and the Greece Under-21s striker Charalampos Kostoulas for £30m. Talk about getting your business done early. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Ukrainians celebrate midsummer traditions with song, dance and fire

Ukrainians are marking the summer solstice with Ivana Kupala, a traditional midsummer celebration rooted in pre-Christian Slavic rituals honoring nature, fertility and renewal

Culture

3 w. ago UK records hottest day of 2025 so far as temperatures reach 33C on summer solstice

It comes as large parts of the UK have reached their respective thresholds for a heatwave

Politics

3 w. ago Exact date sunsets will be before 8pm again after Summer Solstice

Today, Saturday June 21, marks this year's Summer Solstice, or the longest day of the year. The day on which the UK will see the first pre-8pm sunset again has been confirmed

Politics

3 w. ago Stonehenge summer solstice sunrise draws record breaking crowd

A record breaking crowd of around 25,000 people celebrated the summer solstice this morning at Stonehenge, one of the few occasions visitors can walk among the stones.

Politics

3 w. ago Thousands gather at Stonehenge for summer solstice as heatwave grips London and the UK

In the capital, the mercury had already climbed to 18C by 5am

Politics

3 w. ago Crowds cheer Summer Solstice at Stonehenge as hot weather attracts 25,000 to see sunrise through centre of the ancient stone circle

Those who gathered for the spectacle on Saturday at the neolithic monument in Wiltshire braved a warm start to the morning as they marked the year's longest day.

Politics

3 w. ago Summer solstice 2025: When is the summer solstice? Is the summer solstice celebrated?

Watch a Met Office video explaining the summer solstice - When is the summer solstice?

Politics

3 w. ago It’s the first day of summer. Here’s what happens on the longest day of the year

The Northern Hemisphere has reached its peak sunshine, marking the summer solstice – the longest day of the year and the official start of astronomical summer. Conversely, for those in the Southern Hemisphere, it signifies the shortest day and the onset of winter.

Politics

3 w. ago Astronomer reveals the exact time of this year’s summer solstice

The summer solstice occurs when Earth reaches the point in its orbit where the North Pole is angled closest to the Sun

Politics

3 w. ago Thousands gather at Stonehenge for summer solstice celebration

Combination of weekend timing and good weather could make this year’s event one of the busiest in yearsGlen Michael Herbert, a woodcarver known as Herbie to his friends, summed up the draw of the summer solstice beautifully.“It’s a spiritual thing that people of all faiths and none can embrace,” he said. “I think it’s about feeling the wheel of the year turning, enjoying the light, appreciating nature. Most of all, coming together.” Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Astrologer reveals what the summer solstice means for your star sign

The summer solstice takes place in the UK on 21 June and carries the most daylight hours of any other in the year, making in the longest day and shortest night in the calendar.

Science

3 w. ago Summer solstice: Met Office says shortest night of year could also be hottest

Summer will begin in the northern hemisphere this weekend on the longest day of the year

Politics

3 w. ago Exact time to witness summer solstice in UK as start of summer marked by heatwave

Summer will begin in the northern hemisphere as the Sun reaches its highest point of the year this weekend

Politics

3 w. ago Astronomers create a dazzling, elaborate map of nearby galaxy in thousands of colors

Astronomers have revealed a nearby spiral galaxy in all its brilliant glory, shining in thousands of colors

Politics

3 w. ago Astronomer reveals the exact minute of this year’s summer solstice

The summer solstice occurs when Earth reaches the point in its orbit where the North Pole is angled closest to the Sun

Politics

3 w. ago The Scottish glen with standing stones perfect to celebrate Summer Solstice this week

The ancient site is found in the west of Scotland.

Politics

3 w. ago Wimbledon British hopeful Katie Boulter reveals she receives 'astronomical levels' of death threats and unwanted messages about how she looks

The 28-year-old British number two explained how most of the abuse she receives comes from 'people who are betting on the tennis'.

Events

3 w. ago When Is The Longest Day 2025? Summer Solstice date, sunrise time, sunset time, cause and traditions

It may feel like summer has just started, but the nights will start to draw in before the end of June. It’s all terribly unfair...

Politics