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June 21 is the summer solstice. Make the most of that extended daylight with these illuminating events
In London, midsummer usually comes and goes without fuss; we’re all looking forward to the next bank holiday too much. But in Sweden, Midsummer’s Eve is a time of great celebration, as it salutes the longer days and brings the promise of warmer evenings and relaxing times with friends.
If you’re looking to celebrate the arrival of summer the Swedish way, premium cider-maker Rekorderlig has just the thing to get you started: its brand-new Botanicals range. Made with Swedish spring water, Rekorderlig Botanicals brings a new kind of refreshment to summertime drinking! Complex yet crisp, the new trio of flavours are as innovative as they are delicious, and are set to be the perfect accompaniment to your summer.
Never ones to miss out on festivity and merriment, the Swedes know how to mark the change in seasons – and you can too, right here in London, as we pick the best places to celebrate this traditional high point of the summer. Skål!
London’s big wheel provides fine views over the city at any time of the year, but this midsummer it’s giving early birds a sunrise spin. On the morning of Thursday June 21, you’ll be able to watch dawn breaking in spectacular fashion over your favourite stretches of skyline, and on the second rotation there’s even a 30-minute guided yoga session to make midsummer extra special.
Time Out and Rekorderlig Botanicals have teamed up for an incredible event on the Thames on Thursday June 21. Enjoy an evening cruise aboard a flower-festooned boat as the sun sets over the river, before a screening of the 2006 Oscar-winning hit ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ on the top deck, starring Steve Carell and Toni Collette. Each guest will be given a free bottle of Rekorderlig Botanicals and a wildflower bracelet, as well as a chance to try their hand at a crown-making workshop. There will also be two bars generously stocked with the Beautifully Swedish cider, so summertime refreshment is guaranteed. Last tickets remaining… Grab yours now!
A successful midsummer extravaganza involves flowers in your hair, dancing around a pole and singing songs while drinking flavoured akvavit and Rekorderlig cider. (Plus downing a load of pickled herring served with delightful new potatoes, chives and sour cream.) All in all, it’s a grand day out. On Friday June 22, for the tenth year running, the Young Professionals of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce will host a welcoming and dazzling Midsummer Drinks at Scandinavian restaurant Kupp to celebrate the brightest of Swedish traditions. Join the Anglo-Swedish community in London, enjoy the breeze across the water in Paddington Basin and tie your own flower crown just like Swedes have done for centuries. (And did we mention eating a load of pickled herring?)
For the last three years, London foodie about town Ms Marmite Lover has hosted a hugely popular Swedish supperclub with her Underground Restaurant. And this year is no exception as it returns, this time to a secret north London location on Friday June 22. There’ll be all the tasty Swedish treats you’d expect, including home-smoked salmon, pickled herrings and crispy knäckebröd. Best to book early.
If you prefer your Midsummer to be musical, the East End oasis that is Dalston Roof Park is hosting an epic 14-hour party on Saturday June 23 to mark the season’s peak. There’ll be spacy, jazzy house vibes from Laurence Guy, plus street food, cocktails and plenty of space to take a breather when the boogying all gets too much.
In Walthamstow, Blackhorse Workshop will welcome in the longest day (June 21) with an evening party in its yard. There’ll be stomp-along folk music from The Thumping Tommys, a chance to make your own sun goddess headdress and a real fire to dance around when it gets dark.
Think of summer socialising, and what comes to mind? Long, lazy afternoons, sunshine through the trees, more friends turning up than we knew we had… And, in shorts weather, something perfectly cool and crisp to drink. Rekorderlig cider has long been a go-to for that, and now its newly launched Botanicals range has set the standard for summertime refreshment. Made with pure spring water and innovative flavours, the selection includes Rhubarb-Lemon-Mint (best served over ice with a twist of lime and a mint sprig), subtly tangy Peach-Basil (pour it over ice, with a sprig of basil and a wedge of lemon) and citrusy, aromatic Grapefruit-Rosemary (the perfect serve is chilled, with a sprig of rosemary). Enjoy brighter evenings the Beautifully Swedish way and savour a sip of delicious, refreshing Rekorderlig.
