Much of the UK will grind to a standstill tomorrow evening as the moon crosses over our sun, causing a partial solar eclipse.

Obtaining special solar eclipse glasses has proved difficult for many, with Amazon not able to deliver until later in the week and some appearing on Facebook marketplace for as much as £20.

The last time we experienced a solar eclipse was on 11 August 1999 and this image from the Cambrian News archives shows how beachgoers in Aberporth coped with the glare 27 years ago.

Pictured are Josie Draper, Tessa Davies and Hedydd Llewellyn, with one wearing eclipse glasses and the other two donning welding masks to block out the glare.

The report from 1999 states the county came to a standstill, as people stopped cars and piled out of offices on Wednesday morning, 11 August, to witness the spectacle.

Thursday's eclipse, which will see at least 90 per cent of the sun obscured, will begin at 6.10pm, reaching its maximum coverage of the sun at 7.12pm, and end at approximately 8pm.

Several events are taking place across the country, including one at Aberystwyth's bandstand, where university physicists will host a free event and be handing out free eclipse glasses while stocks last.

The Cliff Railway is also hosting an event at the top of Constitution Hill, with free glasses given to anyone booking a ticket on the funicular railway.

Dr Rachel Cross, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Aberystwyth University's Department of Physics, said: “This will be one of the most impressive solar eclipses visible from Wales for many years.

“Although the eclipse will not be total in Aberystwyth, seeing more than 90 per cent of the sun obscured by the moon will be a rare and memorable spectacle.

“We are very grateful to the Institute of Physics in Wales for supporting this event.

“Its funding has helped us offer a safe and accessible viewing experience while showcasing the internationally recognised solar physics research taking place at Aberystwyth University and inspiring the next generation of scientists.”

An eclipse this large won't happen again until 2081 with a total eclipse occurring in 2090.