Four ways to celebrate Swedish Midsommar in London (in spite of the rain)

It may not look like summer out there with all this apocalyptic rain, but don't let that put a dampener on your celebrations. 

Swedes know how to throw a midsummer party and across Sweden they head out of the towns and into nature to embrace the longest, lightest days of the year. The makers of Swedish fruit cider Rekorderlig are bringing some of the Scandinavian summery vibes to London with a month-long festival of Swedish events on our waterways.

Here are four ways to feel summery, Swedish style. 

Party on the Midsommarstång

Elegant Swedish boat the Midsommarstång (‘maypole’), is roaming London’s canals thoughout the festival,stopping off at three beautiful spots: Merchant Square at Paddington Basin, Granary Square at King’s Cross, and the Olympic Park in Stratford. Wherever it moors, the Midsommarstång Pop-Up Party spreads Swedish good vibes, serving up cider and cider cocktails while homegrown music floats through the air. Hang out with friends, lounge on the comfortable Scandi furniture and join in traditional games like Kubb under a canopy of shimmering lights. Watch it unfold above.

Eat at the Chef's Table

There’s the premium dining experience two evenings a week, where 20 guests join the Chef’s Table onboard the Midsommarstång vessel for an exclusive feast with a contemporary take on food typically eaten at Midsommar: grilled fish and ribs, pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with sour cream, dill and chives. (At Paddington Basin, June 30, July 1, 8 and 9. At Granary Square, July 15, 16, 21 and 22.)

Find love, Swedish style

Ever heard of The Seven Flowers? On Midsommar’s eve, it’s traditional for single Swedish women to go out and pick seven types of flower. These are placed under her pillow and that night she will dream of her future husband. Inspired by The Seven Flowers, Rekorderlig Midsommarstång is hosting a series of Seven Flowers Swede Dating where you get five minutes each with a series of guests. By the end of evening, if you think you’ve found ‘the one’, why not invite them for a dance around the Midsommar pole? (At Paddington Basin, June 30. At Granary Square July 21.)

Get grilling

No Midsommar would be complete without roast-perfect cuts from the Swedish barbecue. Join the Midsommar Grill (Paddington Basin, July 7 and 14) to discover the secret of cooking the best meat and fish in an exclusive alfresco masterclass, then dine on crayfish and bavette, washed down with a round of schnapps.

Book all your summer fun now at timeout.com/midsommar.