When is longest day of the year 2021?
Stonehenge: Thousands gather for summer solstice celebration  FREE health tips to live a long and happy life SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up forhealth tips to live a long and happy life When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Each summer the days grow longer, with warmer lighter evenings a treat for Brits. However, the days don't grow exponentially longer, with the longest day of the year signalling a time when daylight hours will begin to slowly grow shorter again. This day is often celebrated at the ancient Stonehenge, with revellers gathering to see in the longest day of the year. This is also known as the summer solstice, and by many is regarded as the first official day of summer. According to the meteorological calendar, June 1 was the first official day of summer, however, the astronomical calendar says differently. The Almanac explains the June solstice (aka summer solstice) happens "when the Sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky." In the Northern Hemisphere this marks the longest day of the year and the start of summer, however, in the Southern Hemisphere this day is the astronomical start of winter. This year, the summer solstice falls on Monday, June 21. On this day, the UK will see a staggering 16 hours and 38 minutes of daylight. Monday, June 21 will see the sunrise at 4.52am BST and set at 9.26pm BST. Longest day of the year 2021: Each year hundreds of people gather at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice  Longest day of the year 2021: There are two solstices each year, the summer solstice and winter solstice  This is due to the Sun being at its northernmost point, giving the Northern Hemisphere the full extent of its rays for the year. The summer solstice is also associated with spiritual traditions, with many gathering at Stonehenge on the day to see the sunrise. During the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the northeast part of the horizon. This means the first rays of the day shine into the heart of Stonehenge. DON'T MISS  Archaeology discovery: 1,000 mystery structures older than Stonehenge [INSIGHT]  Stonehenge breakthrough: Original purpose of ancient monument found [ANALYSIS]  Stonehenge decoded by archaeologist as not 'proper henge' [EXPLAINED]  Trending  READ MORE Stonehenge 'Druid creators' knocked off list Stonehenge is perhaps the most popular place for Pagans to celebrate the summer solstice because of how the stones show the sunshine. Often people attend on the evening of June 20, staying to celebrate the sunrise in the early hours. The summer solstice also is regarded as the ancient middle of summer. The reason the day is so significant for pagans is due to the belief the midsummer day is uniquely powerful. Longest day of the year 2021: The solstice is traditionally a pagan festival  Midsummer's Eve is believed to be a time when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest. And so this would be a time when fairies were thought to be at their most powerful. Since the 13th century, Midsummer was celebrated on Midsummer Eve with bonfires, feasting, and dancing. Today bonfires are still lit on some high hills in Cornwall.