Sun rises on longest day in the UK as solstice is celebrated

The sun has risen on the longest day of the year in the UK Events have included solstice swims and the annual gathering at Stonehenge English Heritage says more than 20,000 came to Stonehenge to celebrate Others have been paddleboarding in Kent and swimming in the sea in places including Hornsea and Sunderland What is the summer solstice and why is it the longest day of the year? Thank you to everybody who sent in photos and videos today. We have had hundreds and enjoyed looking through them all. We are going to leave you with this image Simon sent us of a swimmer in the sea off the Suffolk coast. You can find more coverage of the summer solstice with our picture gallery. Jay Manning started paddle boarding 20 years ago and was one of the UK’s first paddle boarders. He is so successful in the sport that he has 10,000 followers. He loves the beach at Joss Bay in Broadstairs, Kent, and camped overnight here. “When winter comes we remember these summer moments. We just enjoy the ocean much as possible and sunrise gives you a feeling of energy. It’s a celebration of summer," Jay says. She celebrated the solstice by paddle boarding with her best friends and one "very cute" Pomeranian at

Jun 21, 2026 → Jun 21, 2026