On June 21st the sun’s rays will be perpendicular to the Tropic of Cancer. For those of us that aren’t solar experts, this means that it will be the longest day of the year, the ‘Summer Solstice’.

After months of this frustratingly unpredictable pattern of beautiful sunshine followed by torrential rain, it seems more important than ever that we make the most of this prolonged period of daylight.

Here are some pointers on how to have the dream midsummers night (and day):

Visit a free midsummer festival at Stonehenge

Visit Stonehenge for their FREE Summer Solstice event – with over 200,000 people attending it’s sure to be something pretty special.

Have a barbecue

Everyone likes a good old barbeque and when better than to have it than on the longest day of the year? Luckily for you, we've just published our comprehensive guide to budget barbecuing. Hurrah!

• Top tips for a budget BBQ

Read a book in the park

Not only is this a highly relaxing activity, but you’ll look all intellectual and stuff to passersby (and potentially attract members of the opposite sex).

Relax

Find a beautiful spot and embark upon some sunrise or sunset meditation. Yes, it may be a touch pretentious. Yes, people will probably stare, point and almost certainly mock. But you won't care - you'll be too darned relaxed!

Get on your bike

Go on a reaaaaally long cycle ride - a fun and healthy activity. If your bike has a basket, take a bottle of wine and a picnic blanket… and a boyfriend or girlfriend if you can. Maybe even both, if that's what you're into.

Take in a festival

Head to the Sunrise Celebration in Somerset, and if the day ticket price is a little out of your budget, attempt to blag your way in for free (tell them you’ll recycle or pick up litter or something?!). With music, crafts and performance art, there will be something for everyone there.

Catch a film... outside

Spend an evening at an open-air cinema. There are loads in central London and others around the country. Go with a group of friends, bring an picnic and you’re guaranteed to have a great evening.

Go to the seaside

Did you know that EVERYONE in the UK lives under three hours away from the coast…? So there's no excuse not to.

Unleash your inner Rolf Harris

With more daylight than you know what to do with, why not paint the outside of your house? A mural, a portrait of the inhabitants, a garish mosaic – you decide! It will be more fun than watching paint dry (…cringe).

So, make the most of the Summer Solstice and live June 21st as if it’s your last day of light. Ignore Facebook notifications and Twitter mentions for the day, and get your ass outside like there’s no tomorrow because, let’s face it, it’s all downhill from here on in... *starts Christmas shopping*

Tags: Cheap fun - we are the kings , Free fun is our speciality