Thousands expected for Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
Revellers going along are urged to protect the stones
English Heritage say they are expecting thousands of people to visit Stonehenge tonight (Tuesday 20 June) for the Summer Solstice.
Stonehenge is one of the most iconic World Heritage sites with many theories about why it’s where it is and the reason behind it’s arrangement.
We're urged to travel to the site to lift share or make use of Salisbury Reds public transport.
We spoke to English Heritage’s Scott Ashman:
“Naturally we will be expecting thousands of people to attend. Each source just keeps it gets busier and busier and we see a lot of families and a lot of large groups attending.
“We're very limited car parking space and capacity and that's why we would encourage everybody to lift, share or take public transport where possible,” Scott added.
People who need a lift, or can provide one, can share their information on the English Heritage website.
The car park will open at 7.00pm tonight (Tuesday 21st June), with last entry at 6.00am on Wednesday (21st June), or sooner if it becomes full.
For those who can't make it, English Heritage is live-streaming both the sunset and sunrise at Stonehenge.
Preserve the stones for generations to come
With so many people congregating around the famous stones, those attending the Solstice are being warned to do their part in protecting the stones.
“Everyone knows that Stonehenge has been here for thousands and thousands of years and we want it to stay as it is for thousands and thousands more to come and to be preserved for generations to come.
We want our children, our grandchildren, their grandchildren to visit and see it in for its glory and to how it is now. We ask anybody who attends, whether they're attending for solstice or, you know, a day-to-day visit, always to respect the stones.”
There are entry conditions set out by English Heritage, which includes an alcohol ban and no climbing or sitting on the stones.
“We appreciate it's quite difficult to manage that with thousands of people and that's where we kind of asked people to self-police it in a way as well. I know if you see something that you don’t feel is right, Please highlight that to a member of our staff or volunteer teams and you know, we will always do what we can to preserve Stonehenge,” Scott said.
Sunrise itself for the Summer Solstice will be at 4.49am on Wednesday (21st June).