Although Brits can't always depend on great weather, there's always hope, and with summer just around the corner we should all start crossing our fingers and toes now.

The summertime - or the few rays of sunshine we might get - will bring promises of holidays, ice creams, Pimms, picnics and BBQs.

Here's everything you need to know about when summer officially starts.

When does summer in the UK start?

There are two different ways to decide this, and it depends on which calendar you follow - the astronomical summer or the meteorological summer.

Meteorologists believe in keeping the exact same three-month pattern each year, whereas the astronomical season is based on the position of the Earth in relation to the sun - and is therefore subject to change.

According to the meteorological summer, the season will start on June 1 and will come to an end on August 31.

Meanwhile, the astronomical summer starts Thursday 21 June - on a day which is known as the summer solstice - and will come to an end on September 23.

What is the summer solstice?

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the start of the season, according to astronomers.

It also goes by another name, midsummer.

It happens when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most aligned with the sun, providing us with more daylight.

After June 21, the days will become longer and the nights will become shorter.

The winter solstice will be on December 21, and will mark the start of colder weather and longer nights.

Are there any cultural events to celebrate the summer solstice?

Pagans believe that the summer solstice holds a special significance, due to the power of the sun.

Each year, pagans and non-pagans travel to Stonehenge to watch the sunrise on the day of the summer solstice.

The remains of the landmark lie on a sacred site dating back 5,000 years, predating the Druids.

The Celts use to celebrate the day by lighting bonfires that they believed would add to the sun's energy.