Today is Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year, the day from which the daylight steadily lengthens into a new year, and warmer, longer spring days enter on tiptoes. From this day, things only get better. Winter Solstice – and its’ associated pagan festival Yule – is almost certainly the genesis of Christmas as it’s celebrated today. I’m sure the pagans welcomed an end of year knees up just like the rest of us, as cyclists and outdoor people of all stripes still welcome this milestone for the positivity it brings. To mark it, I’ve dug some hairy old festive prog rock out of the bowels of YouTube to share.

Ring Out, Solstice Bells!

Now is the solstice of the year,

winter is the glad song that you hear.

Seven maids move in seven time.

Have the lads up ready in a line.

Ring out these bells.

Ring out, ring solstice bells.

Ring solstice bells.

Join together beneath the mistletoe.

By the holy oak whereon it grows.

Seven druids dance in seven time.

Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.

Ring out these bells.

Ring out, ring solstice bells.

Ring solstice bells.

Praise be to the distant sister sun,

joyful as the silver planets run.

Seven maids move in seven time.

Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.

Ring out those bells.

Ring out, ring solstice bells.

Ring solstice bells.

Ring on, ring out.

Ring on, ring out.