As Midwinter’s Day falls on a Saturday this year we are extending the celebration to cover today and tomorrow. Midwinter in the British Antarctic Territory marks the halfway point of the Antarctic winter.
HM Commissioner to the British Antarctic Territory, Jane Rumble has written to British Antarctic Survey (BAS) personnel currently stationed in Antarctica.
“As the sun reaches its lowest point and the long Antarctic night envelops the continent, I write to you with deep admiration and heartfelt thanks on behalf of the British Antarctic Territory and the wider UK Polar community. Midwinter is a moment of reflection, resilience, and camaraderie—a unique milestone in the Antarctic calendar that binds generations of polar explorers, scientists, and support teams in a shared tradition.
This year, as ever, your presence in Antarctica represents the very best of human endeavour. Whether you are conducting vital research, maintaining essential infrastructure, supporting logistics, or navigating the icy seas aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough, your work is of immense value. You are the custodians of a legacy that stretches back over a century, and your efforts continue to shape our understanding of the planet at a time when that knowledge has never been more critical.
Midwinter is a time to pause and celebrate the bonds that sustain you through the darkness. Though you are far from home, you are not forgotten. Families, friends, colleagues, and countless others across the UK and beyond are thinking of you today, inspired by your courage and commitment. Your dedication to science, discovery, and international cooperation in one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth is truly remarkable.
I hope you are able to mark this special occasion with warmth, laughter, and a sense of pride. Whether through shared meals, watching all the crazy short films…or The Thing, or just in quiet reflection, may this Midwinter bring you moments of joy and connection. These traditions, unique to the Antarctic, are a testament to the spirit of those who live and work in this extraordinary place.
As you look ahead to the return of the sun and the gradual shift toward the austral summer, know that your contributions are deeply appreciated. You are part of a proud and enduring story, one that continues to inspire future generations of scientists, explorers, and environmental stewards.
Thank you for your service, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to the UK’s national Antarctic programme. I wish you all a safe, healthy, and uplifting Midwinter.”