Swimmers take a dip at Sandford Parks Lido to mark Summer Solstice
Hundreds of people have been marking the Solstice this morning by taking a dip at Sandford Parks Lido
Last updated 21st Jun 2023
Swimmers in Cheltenham have been up since before the crack of dawn to celebrate the Summer Solstice.
Around 400 of the revellers have marked the longest day of the year by taking a cold water dip at Sandford Parks Lido.
The early morning start saw swimmers sliding in, swimming lengths and watching in amazement as the sun broke from the horizon at 04:49 this morning.
Sunrise in Gloucestershire was three minutes earlier than at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, which saw thousands of people gathering, banging drums and soaking in the atmosphere as the sun rose through the centre of the monument.
Around 8,000 people are estimated to have made the trip to Stonehenge to mark the moment.
At Sandford Parks Lido, though, the hundreds of people who made it down called it a 'wonderful' time after being let in at 4:15am - ahead of the sun breaking the horizon.
It was the earliest swim of the year for the Lido, with organisers calling it 'one of the most picturesque and unique experiences the Lido has to offer'.
Adam McAnoy said: "What a fantastic morning! So lucky we didn't do it yesterday, because it was hammering it down with rain - but the weather makes an enormous difference to an event like this.
"It's always really strange that despite it being early in the morning, though, everyone is so cheerful - but that's the magic of it. Everyone is on a high, it's something different, and it's just a picturesque time.
"It's so worth it for everyone that's here, and it's great for the Lido too.
"If you weren't hear to enjoy it at 4 o'clock, you'd just be back in bed, wouldn't you?!"