The Summer Solstice – the longest day of the Gregorian Calendar – was one of the first days to be celebrated in the Regional Dominion of Burnham, made so just a few days after the Winter Solstice on the Christmas Eve of 2012, when the nation was run by a Consulate instead of a Supreme Soviet. The practice of celebrating a Solstice in the Theodorist Regional Dominion of Burnham & its Lands is simple; goodwill to both Burnhamites and citizens of other Micronations and Macronations is expected to be shown at all times.
Basileus Justinian I of the Dominion was fully able to practice this goodwill on the day of the Summer Solstice on the 21st June 2013. Being involved on a tour and educational inspection of the departments and accommodation of the United Kingdom’s University of Essex with his own educational institute (which too is a UK academy), the Basileus had the opportunity to meet new people and exchange pleasantries, while simultaneously learning about exciting new possibilities for further education.
Following this highly educating event that occupied much of the day, the Basileus relaxed with a great many UK citizens during a long and very enjoyable dinner at a very popular (and nationally renowned in both the UK and Burnham) Indian restaurant, before engaging in a long walk afterwards to contemplate as the moon neared it’s zenith.
Peculiarly enough for a day of the Summer Solstice, the day was marked in the British isles as relatively overcast. Indeed, between approximately 5:45PM and 7:15PM GMT, Burnham was inundated with varying levels of rainfall, no less. This rainfall produced, with the summer heat, a naturally humid environment which was mildly uncomfortable if one was outside for any great length of time during the above time. Nevertheless, after the rainfall had come to an end, the temperature, windspeed and cloud cover were such as to provide some of the most comfortable (if not overly sunny) weather Burnham has seen for many months.
Meanwhile, work continues on preparation for the festivals of Lùnastal and Tan on the 1st and 6th August. The physical flag has been procured, the location for the festivals have been set, and a series of rites are soon to be produced. The Basileus will be leading the proceedings, and there is the possibility of at least 2 territorial Burnhamite citizens being present on both festivals. It is entirely possible that the festivals will be documented with pictures taken on the evening.