Summer Solstice – The Longest Day of the Year Across Sefton ☀️Saturday 21st June 2025
- Sefton Bubble
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Today marks the Summer Solstice, the official start of summer and the longest day of the year for us here across Sefton — from Bootle and Litherland, to Crosby, Maghull, Ainsdale, Birkdale, and Southport.
During the solstice, the Earth’s axis is tilted closest to the sun, meaning the sun is at its highest point in the sky across the Northern Hemisphere. That’s why we enjoy more daylight today than on any other day of the year.
Across Sefton today:
We’ll see over 17 hours of daylight
With an early sunrise and a late sunset
And the shortest night of the year
The word solstice comes from Latin, meaning “sun standing still,” because the sun appears to pause at its peak in the sky before slowly shifting toward shorter days again.
Why Do So Many People Go to Stonehenge?
Every year, thousands gather at Stonehenge to watch the sun rise in perfect alignment with the ancient stones. Built over 4,000 years ago, many believe it was designed specifically to mark the summer solstice.
From spiritual groups like modern Druids to people simply fascinated by history, the site is a powerful symbol of light, nature, and ancient tradition — and the solstice is its biggest moment of the year.
What About the “No Shadow” Myth?
You might have heard people say you cast no shadow on the summer solstice — but that’s a myth, at least here in the UK.
While the sun is at its highest point today, it’s never directly overhead in Sefton. That only happens near the equator. So yes, you’ll still cast a shadow — just a shorter one than usual.
So whether you’re enjoying a coastal walk in Ainsdale, relaxing in a Southport garden, strolling through Maghull’s parks, or watching the sunset from Crosby Beach, take a moment to enjoy this special day.
From Bootle to Birkdale, let’s welcome the sunshine, celebrate the light, and enjoy the beginning of summer across our wonderful borough.
Happy Summer Solstice, Sefton! 🌞
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