By Kate Hodges
21st June 2023
DO, RECIPE AND EVENT MIDSUMMER MAGIC
Astronomically, we regard the solstice as the start of summer, but, somewhat confusingly, June 24 is known across Europe as Midsummer, the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvest. It’s celebrated across Scandinavia and Northern Europe with bonfire parties that go on all night; although at the far reaches of the continent, the sun doesn’t even set.
Swedes celebrate Midsommar on the Friday between 19th and 25th of June. There’s maypole dancing, people sometimes dress in ferns and it’s regarded as the season for love. Ancient tradition says that if a young woman puts seven different flowers under her pillow on the night to Midsummer Day, she will dream of her future partner. (This magic trick probably also works for young men.) Find out more about the festival here, how to make a floral crown here and how to hold a traditional Swedish party here.
There are special recipes for the occasion. Bake a delicious, seasonal berry layer cake, whip up an edible, meringue version of the Swedish midsummer crowns, or make Swedish potato salad and pickled cucumber.
In Latvia, people spend Midsummer’s Eve around a bonfire, or looking for a magical fern flower said to bring good luck. During the middle ages, ferns were thought to flower and produce seed on this day only, seeds that were believed to be invisible. If you were lucky enough to find some of these ‘seeds’ you could understand birdsong, find buried treasure and have the strength of forty men. We do know that ferns heal - use the spores to relieve nettle stings, or make a paste from the plant to relieve headache. Find out more about fern folklore, recipes, symbolism and herbalism here and go on your own fern safari.
EVENT GET THE PICTURE
After what seems like a very long closure for refurbishment, London’s National Portrait Gallery reopens this weekend. To celebrate, they’re throwing a party; the First Look Festival. There’s plenty to tempt you back, including an online dream date of Paul McCartney in conversation with Stanley Tucci ((£10), free courses for adults in collage, smartphone photography and drawing, as well as free musical performances. Young people aged 14+ get their own day of free activities that include a tour of the galleries with glamorous bearded lady Timberlina, photography workshops and experimental drawing sessions on June 25, while families get all the fun on June 24, with a playful family portrait studio, interactive storytelling and a Popping Portrait workshop. All free and drop-in.
EVENT BANG ON
The Big Bang Science Fair is Britain’s biggest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people, held at Birmingham NEC. It’s abuzz with wild demonstrations, robotic maze challenges, high-octane theatre shows, robots, explosions, giant trucks, computers, and working scientists and engineers, who are more than happy to answer questions about jobs and careers. Aimed at 7–19 year-olds, it’s a free event, but you must register for tickets. School groups are welcomed in the day, while families and home educators can book tickets for events between 4.30pm and 7.30pm
EVENT WHAT’S THE BUZZ?
National Insect Week is aflutter with action. Find a collection of resources here that explore the enormous range of insects found in the UK; even the tiniest outside space or doorstep will be teeming with life. There are lots of creepy-crawly events going on, from bug hunts to moth trapping to butterfly and bee bimbles! Get more here
Find out more about turning your garden into a haven for insects here, find out about how to keep bees here, and get some ideas for spider and butterfly crafts here (we adore the ladybird rocks!)
EVENT BRIGHTON WRITIN’
It’s the second-ever Brighton Book Festival, a party that celebrates all things reading spread over three days. Learn how to write poetry with Aflo and Roy McFarlane, meet emerging writers or engage with a panel of authors who are passionate about improving the education system. Saturday is family day! Head to a jam-packed morning of games, readings, snacks crafting and poetry at the Brighton Centre for Contemporary Arts. Free entry for children aged up to 14, registration essential. Find out more here.
WHAT WE’RE EATING Classic Smoky Baba Ghanoush Growing aubergines makes you look like a great gardener. They are so prolific – one minute there’s nothing, and the next you’ve got enough to feed an army. The plant is lush and the fruits are abundant. This is a classic baba ghanoush we love for an afternoon snack or to lather on sandwiches. We enjoy making ours on the barbecue, but you can also make it in the oven on high heat. Find the recipe here
WHAT WE’RE READING ‘The scenery bursts into life’: making Scotland wild again: “Dundreggan is Trees for Life’s 4,047-hectare (10,000-acre) example of “rewilding” in action. The tree nursery grows thousands of saplings for planting, from rare aspen to montane tree species, and the landscape has changed dramatically since it bought the estate in 2008, with nature flourishing and ecosystems restored.” Read more here
