Flower crowns, pickled herring and bottomless bubbles – how to celebrate Swedish midsummer in London

Make like the Swedes and celebrate the longest day of the year with flowers in your hair and an all-day party.

In Sweden, Midsummer – or Midsommar – is a summer solstice holiday riotously celebrated across the country, and the Swedish expat community is bringing the festivities to London. 

The ancient celebration of the longest day of the year is one of the most awaited days of the Nordic calendar. It’s all about the magic of summer, with the flower crowns just one vibrant reminder that the best months of the year have just begun.

As with all the world’s best celebrations, a typical Swedish Midsummer festival revolves around food and drink, with pickled herring, Aquavit (schnapps) and strawberries taking centre stage.

While it falls on 23rd June this year, the festivities will take place throughout the whole Midsummer weekend to mark the summer solstice. Unmissable moments come with the Aquavit toasts, a Scandinavian tradition where each schnapps toast comes with merry drinking songs. 

On Saturday, 24th June, a Midsummer party will be held at Kensington’s Restaurant Ours, featuring fabulous food, live music and traditional Swedish activities.

Those wanting to keep the party going, or to join in after their own celebrations, the official After Party will keep things going into the early hours.

Part of the package for dinner guests and just £20 for everyone else, the late-night event is the perfect way to join the pagan celebration of fertility and light defeating darkness.

So, if you’re looking for something different to do to celebrate the summer solstice, grab your flower crown and join London’s Swedish community for a Midsummer cultural immersion.

It’s the perfect way to welcome the summer season in London.