Summer Solstice 2018
Summer Solstice 2019
This year the Solstice fell on 20th June.
I usually camp out, but this year camping wasn’t possible, Covid-19 and all that. So….
At 3.40am (that’s the 3.40am in the morning) I drove to Alderley Edge and met up with fellow members of Bollin Morris, and some new(ish) and older friends who know the area, both above and below ground, rather well.
You might want to read about the very fine Derbyshire Caving Club's very significant involvement in Alderley Edge's mines, caves and it's history.
Sunrise was due at 4.41am but a bit of inconveniently placed cloud meant that the sun’s golden orb wasn’t visible until a couple of minutes later.
It was incredibly peaceful, the silence only disturbed by a not very loud morning chorus.
Suzanne celebrating the Solstice Sunrise
When the sun made it’s glorious appearance the moment was celebrated by the blowing of a horn. It was all quite magical, very special – witnessing it all was very much a privilege.
The slight mist became illuminated before slowly burning of in the warming light.
As the sun rose long shadows appeared on the lower ground. colours changed, it was what photographers call the golden hour. Not much use to me, I’m a rubbish photographer – not like Rob who’s photos are always imaginative and catch the eye. And they’re in focus and exposed properly.
Nowt like mine then.
The Morris danced, songs were sung, and stories were told.
Rob's video of Bollin Morris dancing on The Edge
It was a very happy and quite extraordinary occasion – you really had to be there to appreciate it.
Alderley Edge is riddled with tunnels and caves, the side has in invitation to dance underground at some time in the future - now that really WILL be fun!
Many thanks to everyone who turned out, and to Suzanne, Steve and friends for being so welcoming!
Photos of the day, from Me, Rob, Patrick, Vanessa, Suzanna, Hannah, maybe more…I’ve lost count.
Suzanne’s Hearth of Albion blog – WELL worth a gander.
Well done, JJ. Good to see you getting out and about a bit more. We are doing likewise but no early rise for the Solstice. I think we'll be going up Shutlingsloe on Thursday evening to make up for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Martin! It would have been even better if I could have done my usual walk in,camp, and walk home. Oh well.
ReplyDeleteMy mis-spelling of 'Arthur' wouldn't have pleased him or his knights, I'm sure.
Enjoy Shutlingsloe on Thursday evening :-)
Great to meet you and those of the side that were present, it was an unexpected treat to be able ot witness your dancing the sun up, many thanks indeed! Hope to see you soon..
ReplyDeleteKind Regards
Suzanne
This year's Summer Solstice was a real treat for me and the Side, we all enjoyed it immensely. I was delighted that you and your friends were there too, it really made the day for me!
DeleteI was a little apprehensive that those I'd invited along might not have appreciated it - but they certainly did, big time!
I feel this may become a permanent fixture on the Side's calendar :-)
What a great set of pictures JJ, they outdo my two. Sadly, we don't seem to get the Morris dancers any more for the summer solstice on Castle Hill, just the winter one.
ReplyDeleteWinter solstice is the main one now when folk come chanting and singing in their fancy gear. I'm told the Morris dancers, Thieving Magpie, now perform on May Day.
Trust all is well with you. Cheers!
Thanks Gordon!
DeleteI try to go up to Windgather Rocks for Mayday morning - another Morris side (Powderkegs from Whaley Bridge) always celebrate the sunrise with dancing and sausage butties.
https://youtu.be/act18y0JzR8