Special Concorde flights, 500k flocking to Cornwall & biggest ever power surge… How UK stopped for 1999 total eclipse
- Posted on August 10, 2026
- By The Sun
- 3 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
On August 11, 1999, the United Kingdom experienced a remarkable astronomical event when a total solar eclipse swept across the nation. Millions of residents gathered on rooftops, vessels, and elevated terrain to witness this rare celestial phenomenon. The event triggered unprecedented demand for special Concorde flights, attracted approximately 500,000 visitors to Cornwall, and caused the largest power surge in British history as citizens simultaneously turned off lights during totality. This once-in-a-lifetime occurrence brought the country to a standstill.
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Special Concorde flights, 500k flocking to Cornwall & biggest ever power surge… How UK stopped for 1999 total eclipse
CROWDED on to rooftops, ships, hillsides and bridges, millions of us were awestruck as we witnessed 1999’s total solar eclipse. The date was August 11, and it was the first time this country had ex…
