By Kate Hodges
14th June 2023
DO, RECIPE AND EVENT HERE COMES THE SUN
Summer solstice falls on Wednesday June 21. Why not mark it with your family? We have some ideas, from building a midsummer altar to making sacred sun water, planning a summer of growth, or gathering with loved ones around a bonfire, while Glennie Kindred’s wise traditional ways to mark the day are an inspiration. Don’t forget some Solstice treats – think herbal biscuits and lavender cake – find recipes here. Alternatively, find our ideas for alternative midsummer celebrations from around the world here.
Of course, many head to Stonehenge to welcome the sun – there is no charge and there is free access to the stones, or head to Avebury or Callenish or Glastonbury Tor for a (slightly) more low-key experience. If you can’t make it in person, you might like to watch the sunset or the sunrise online at English Heritage’s YouTube channel. We also love checking in on the monument via the live Stonehenge Sky Scape cameras. Find some more great ideas for places from which to watch the sun rise – including Milton Keynes – here.
There are plenty of other events that celebrate the longest day. Gather around a fire for storytelling and the ancient meditative power of sound at Butser Ancient Farm, a picnic and live music at Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire, or a sunset stroll soundtracked by folk music at Petworth in West Sussex.
Alternatively, build your own henge! There are directions for making a full-size ‘replica’ here which might not have the stones, but shows the theory behind the monument. Or you’ll find a more arty, mini representation here. Even the smallest kids can get in on the action!
EVENT RISE AND SHINE
The sun is welcomed with open arms at Lowestoft this weekend, at the free First Light festival. The town’s golden sands and lush gardens play host to a colourful opening parade, world-class DJs on the beach, experimental theatre and a renewables zone that champions the latest research that’s turning the area into a hub of green energy. The new sundown programme includes dreamy moonlit performances, silent discos, and big-hitting comedy shows. Download the full programme here.
EVENT THE BEAT GOES ON
Whirl and twirl to a weekend of performances from some of Africa’s greatest performers at Liverpool’s free Africa Oyé festival. Once again, Sefton Park has been transformed into a colourful, vibrant party with food, music and art from Africa and the wider African diaspora at the largest festival of African and Caribbean music in Britain. Dance your socks off to traditional African music, roots, salsa, soca, reggae and more at this truly international event that harnesses the spirit of multiculturalism and tolerance. This year, the headliners are Seun Kuti, who has inherited his father’s drive for trailblazing Afrobeat and many of his band members, while Tanya Stephens is one of Jamaica’s ‘most gifted songwriters’. The Oyé village welcomes families for storytelling, face painting, dance workshops and drumming. Saturday and Sunday.
EVENT BLOCK PARTY
Running for the whole of June, London Festival Of Architecture is the world’s largest annual architecture festival. Its events are inclusive and fun, taking place in the streets and parks of the city, and include plenty for families. Play in a radical Urban Playground in the City, make birdhouses and build bridges at Barnet Libraries, draw with real-life architects at All Saints studio and hear Wren’s city churches filled with song in the Wrenathon; a celebration of community singing. Find out more here
RECIPE CUT A RUG
National Picnic Week is a spur to shake out those blankets and bring out your baskets to enjoy eating together as a group outdoors. First pick your spot – perhaps you’ll go to the local park, or maybe somewhere a little more spectacular. You might even try a new recipe; be tempted by our Butter Bean, Wild Rice and Garlic Roasted Carrot Salad, Herb Pies, or make Seaweed and Chocolate Cookies for a seaside picnic. Picnics are a great opportunity to play together; try our ideas for fun outdoor games, make nature art or build a den.
WHAT WE’RE EATING VEGGIE PAELLA This jam-packed, veggie take on Spain’s beloved national dish can be pre-prepared and just heated in the oven before serving. It’s a showstopper and an amazing dish to serve to family and friends at the weekend. Find the recipe here
WHAT WE’RE READING ‘Much easier to say no’: Irish town unites in smartphone ban for young children: “On the principle of strength in numbers, parents in the Irish town of Greystones have banded together to collectively tell their children they cannot have a smartphone until secondary school. Parents’ associations across the district’s eight primary schools have adopted a no-smartphone code to present a united front against children’s lobbying. Schools and parents in the County Wicklow town took the initiative last month amid concern smartphones were fuelling anxiety and exposing children to adult material. It is a rare example of an entire town taking joint action on the issue.” Read more here
