Midwinter’s Day Celebrations

Staff at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) celebrate Midwinter’s Day today. Celebrated as the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere, Midwinter’s day is the shortest and darkest day for the 40 BAS staff currently working at its four wintering research stations in Antarctica. It is the time of the year in Antarctica when things slow down a little, so staff celebrate with a trip away from station (weather permitting) and a festive meal.

Listen to the BBC Midwinter broadcast, complete with family messages and words of support from celebrities Professor Brian Cox, Eddie Izzard and Michael Palin.