Stockholm: Let the summer madness begin

The solstice is still 10 days away, but midsummer silliness of Abba-esque proportions has taken hold of the Swedes.

It is quite a shock, coming from a people who have brought us such sensible things as Volvo cars, Ikea, Skype computer conversations and paternity leave. Stockholm: Let the summer madness begin but to escape their natural propensity for staying alone indoors, with a bottle, the Swedes force themselves to join sports clubs, choirs, bands and evening classes.

This explains why they are the third biggest music exporters in the world and can't help but be brilliant at golf, tennis and athletics.