The summer solstice (AKA the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere) has been seen as a sacred event for as long as we can remember. In the UK, thousands flock to ancient sites like Stonehenge to witness the official changing of the seasons, but it doesn’t end there – there’s evidence that solstice celebrations date all the way back to the Stone Age, and today they continue to span the globe. It makes sense that we place so much importance on the sun. After all, it provides energy for all life on Earth. But it’s not a force to be messed with, either.

Enter: Ray-Ban, arguably the world’s most iconic eyewear brand, which has been shading us from the sun’s glare – and enhancing our vision under its rays – since it was founded in 1937. Synonymous with bright summer days, Ray-Ban sought to mark the 2023 solstice in an appropriately festive fashion, launching a one-of-a-kind event series, titled Ray-Ban SUN-DAY.

Here’s what you need to know about what went down.

SUN-DAY WAS A WORLDWIDE AFFAIR

Taking place on this year’s summer solstice, June 21, the concert series saw simultaneous performances take place in Paris, and London, where revellers basked in the sun at The Rooftop at The Standard Hotel. The idea? To chase our home star’s warm glow across the surface of Earth, culminating in a massive blowout party in New York.

EMERGING ARTISTS GOT THEIR TIME TO SHINE

Music has long been a part of the eyewear brand’s DNA, and the summer solstice event didn’t disappoint, featuring a slew of emerging artists and acclaimed headline acts across a variety of styles and genres. In a particular highlight, London was treated to a joyous headline appearance from the award-winning British DJ and radio presenter Tiffany Calver.

Calver’s No Requests also show brought together an exclusive roster of female and non-binary artists. We’re talking about the likes of Kween Deekayy, Joce Wavy, Arthi, and Debbiesthuglife. New York City, meanwhile, included a headline set from Atlanta’s Baby Tate.

THE SUN GOT THE MEMO

In a minor miracle of British meteorology, the party at London’s Rooftop was doused in the soft, warm light of golden hour, making for some idyllic scenes. Think: a tightly-packed crowd of dancers with glowing skin, the impeccable vibes of London in summertime, and of course a wealth of Ray-Bans in various shapes and sizes.

THE ATTENDEES CAME FROM FAR AND WIDE

Across all the cities, music lovers and surprise guests all showed up to enjoy the sets. Among the crowd's notable guests were the likes of Denzel Curry, Mutya Buena, Quincy Combs, Cuppy, Yewande Biala, Moses LDN, WSTRN.

Take a closer look in the gallery above (unless you’re prone to fits of FOMO).