Hundreds of people are expected to gather with lanterns on Walmer Beach tonight to mark the summer solstice.

Holistic therapist Claire Hughes, of Dover Road, had envisaged a small private event when she shared the idea on Facebook.

But it’s since attracted the attention of more than 200 people who are keen to mark midsummer - the day with the longest period of daylight.

Mrs Hughes is inviting people to bring candles, lanterns or biodegradable lanterns in a bid to mimic the annual gathering of some 20,000 people at Stonehenge.

She said: “The summer solstice is a time when the length of time the sun spends in view is equal to that of the moon, so is very much about balance.

“It makes midsummer the ideal time to fully embrace everything you love about life and to reflect as well as being in the present and new beginnings.

“All you need is one candle and the willingness to look deeply into your heart.

“For me, sharing an event such as this at the beach can be a really grounding time. It may be that you wish for balance to return to your life, or perhaps remember a loved one who has passed.

“Light the candle and take in the sunset. Think of your family, your friends and focus on the beauty of the moment.”

The trained Reiki therapist has a background of psychic intuitive mediumistic and founded her own business The Seishin Reiki Practice in 2018.

She has collected about 40 lanterns which will be given out on a first come first serve basis.

The event will start at 8pm opposite Walmer Castle with sunset at approximately 9.21pm. A flag pole with mark the meeting point.

She added: “The solstice is about balance and duality of the sun and moon so a really significant phase of the year for regrounding one’s plans and refocussing on balance within your life.”

Read more: All the latest news from Deal