Stonehenge to hold public Summer Solstice celebrations for first time since pandemic
It will be live streamed as well
For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic started, Stonehenge will allow the public to gather at the stones for the Summer Solstice.
They haven't had those kinds of celebrations since 2019.
It's to mark the longest day of the year, which takes place on Tuesday 21st June.
People will be at the world heritage site for sunrise, which is set to happen at 4:49am.
English Heritage will also continue live streaming the event, which means people will be able to watch from the comfort of their homes.
It's something they started during the pandemic.
Jennifer Davies, English Heritage’s Head of Historic Properties for Stonehenge, said:
“We will be livestreaming this year’s summer solstice sunset and sunrise once again so that everyone, no matter where you are in the world, can experience this special moment at Stonehenge. We appreciate however that celebrating solstice at Stonehenge is a very special time for some and we are delighted that after two years we are able to welcome people back to mark the longest day of the year here once more.”
Stonehenge is a unique monument built on the alignment of the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset.
On the longest day of the year, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone – the ancient entrance to the Stone Circle from the ceremonial avenue – and rays of sun are channelled into the centre of the monument.
It is thought that solstices have been celebrated at Stonehenge for thousands of years.
English Heritage want people attending the event to consider the environment when planning their visit and car share where they can.
They will also work closely with Wiltshire Police as they do each year to ensure that everyone who comes feels safe.
Stonehenge Curator for English Heritage, Heather Sebire says:
“As its guardians, it is our job to look after Stonehenge and everyone who visits this special site. We ask people who are planning to come, to please be considerate of others, to respect the stones, and remember that alcohol is not permitted at Stonehenge. Please help us keep solstice special, so that people will be able to celebrate midsummer here for many years to come. For those who’d prefer to experience solstice from the comfort of home, English Heritage will be live streaming the midsummer sunrise on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.”
They will only be accepting small bags into the site and searches will be conducted throughout the night.
For full details visit the English Heritage website.