We gathered a small group of storytellers, artists, adventurers, chefs, and friends in a woodland nature reserve to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

Over the course of a long summer afternoon and evening, we shared stories, food, conversation, and time outdoors. Guided by folklore storyteller Morvern Graham through the ancient tale of The Oak King & The Holly King and accompanied by a seasonal feast of mostly locally sourced ingredients, thoughtfully curated by Leeds Supper Club, we celebrated in a way that felt true to what we believe at ELLIKER.

A shared appreciation for nature and the understanding that time outdoors doesn’t always need to be extreme or fast-paced. Sometimes it’s about slowing down, gathering together, and finding joy in stories, food, conversation, and simple moments beneath the trees.

At the turning of the year, we pause to celebrate the endless cycle of the seasons, each bringing its own character, lessons, and abundance to the land and to our tables. In the folklore of the Oak King and Holly King, the Summer Solstice marks the moment the wheel turns: when light reaches its peak and the darker half of the year begins its gradual return.

It’s a reminder that every season has its place and that beginnings and endings are forever intertwined. Summer gives way to autumn, growth gives way to rest and the cycle begins again. By taking the time to gather and celebrate these seasonal moments, we can feel more connected to the landscapes around us and the communities we share them with.

Here’s to summer.