SUNDAY, JUNE 20, is not only a good day for fathers, but also marks the traditional start of summer.

Known as the Summer Solstice, Midsummer or Litha, which means a standing still of the sun, June 21 is the longest day of the year and the time when the sun is at its maximum elevation.

There are other signs too that we may need to don the sunglasses and grease up on sun lotion.

For instance, the first baby swans have hatched at Abbotsbury Swannery near Weymouth, which according to Benedictine monks who used to look after the swans, is a sure sign that the first day of summer has arrived.

With plenty of fun in the sun to be had this year, here are the Daily Echo’s top five local summer events: n More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival – Those magnificent men and women in their flying machines will be taking to the skies from Thursday to Sunday, August 20-23. The line-up includes three appearances over three days by the Red Arrows, alongside the RAF Falcons, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight of the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire and the Typhoon Eurofighter. Recently announced is the much-anticipated Avro Vulcan B2 XH55, which will be amazing the crowds. Up to one million people are expected to cram the town for the air spectacular in August, so get to the beach early.

•The New Forest Show – One of the UK’s finest agricultural shows, the New Forest and Hampshire County Show was first held in 1921, it features a wide range of traditional country pursuits, new exhibitions as well as lively demonstrations. It is rated among the biggest and best agricultural and equestrian shows in the UK. The 2009 show takes place on July 28, 29 and 30 and hopes to attract over 90,000 visitors to New Park.

•Bridport Food Festival – Get your taste buds ready, as the popular Bridport Food Festival takes place again this summer on the June 26 & 27. Now in its sixth year, the event sees local producers from across the region joining forces to create a host of deliciously fun events. Taking place at the picturesque Asker Meadows, the event will be filled with the delicious offerings of local producers.

•Great Dorset Steam Fair – If you are looking for a fun and action-packed day out, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Traditionally this event fair is held at Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum and will take place from September 2-6. The spectacle covers an enormous showground, at over 600 acres being one of Europe’s largest outdoor event locations. Now in its 41st year, the festival offers the chance to watch the steaming giants of the past being put through their paces – some hauling huge loads, others sawing planks or doing the farm work of long ago, such as driving ploughs, threshing or baling.

•Dorset Music Festivals - Dig out your tent and wellies, the festival season is well under way already. Even in the current climate of economic hardship, Dorset will see a bumper summer crop of music festivals all vying for our hard-earned cash. These include Camp Bestival at Lulworth (July 24-26), Endorse it in Dorset at Sixpenny Handley (August 7-9), Larmer Tree Festival (July 15-19), End of the Road Festival (Sept 11-13), Swanage Blues Festival (Oct 2-4) and many more.

Still looking for more ideas on what to do? Check out our Events listings for theatre, gigs, talks, exhibitions, courses and workshops, car boot and jumble sales and lots more besides! Click here to browse or upload your own event for free.