Doing Summer Solstice Stonehenge Style

Submitted by Sean Williams on Fri, 06/19/2009 - 16:33

Thanks to being fenced off by English Heritage to much druidic chagrin, Stonehenge is now largely the preserve of sedate tourist visits. Yet four times a year - during both equinoxes and solstices - the great stones are opened to the public in order to celebrate the ties between Britain's most famous prehistoric monument and the heavens.

This Sunday on June 21, the summer solstice welcomes a whole host of druids, hippies and revellers to marvel at the giant megaliths - which many claim to have been an ancient temple to the sun. Last year some 30,000 foolhardy fun-lovers braved some damp conditions to see it through 'til sunrise, around 5am. Police have always maintained a visible presence - last year 15 slightly over-zealous Stonehenge fans made their way to a West Country cell for the night - yet generally the atmosphere is sure to be electric, with worshippers standing hand-in-hand with hippies and the plain curious to pay homage to what they feel is their spiritual home.

Though no amplified music is allowed at the site, many people bring drums, horns and other instruments. And thanks to the site being expected to be open to revellers by around 8.30pm, spirits are sure to be high come the sun's sparkling arrival. Travellers to the site will be pleased to hear that the British weather should smile on them this year - with the skies above Amesbury said to be crystal clear come dawn. Access is free, as well it should be, and the event will surely again raise the question of whether English Heritage should tear down their controversial fence and open Stonehenge to all comers. Look out for King Arthur Pendragon, the outspoken druid leader - Somehow one doubts he'll be keeping a low profile this weekend...

Image by Cat Shatwell.

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About The Author

Sean Williams

Last three pieces by this author:

Join Heritage Key Live from Stonehenge Spring Equinox | Celebrate St. Patrick's by Visiting Loughcrew for Spring Equinox | What can you Expect from Stonehenge Spring Equinox 2010?

Sean is an English Literature graduate, who currently works as a writer and journalist in London. He enjoys ancient history, theatre and sport. He does not enjoy Big Brother.

Comments

Rebecca T:

For anyone interested in getting high to the solstice sunrise at Stonehenge this weekend, here are the facts, as released by English Heritage:

Stonehenge will close its normal visitor operation at 1500 hrs (3pm) on Saturday, 20th June 2009 and re-open again at 0900 hrs (9am) on Monday, 22nd June 2009.
Last admission to Stonehenge will be at 1500 hrs (3pm) on Saturday, 20th June 2009.
The Stonehenge car park next to the monument will be closed to the public from 1600 hrs (4pm) and remain closed for the period of Managed Open Access.
The Stonehenge car park will re-open at 0900 hrs (9am) on Monday, 22nd June 2009.
Road closures will be operation over the Summer Solstice period to ensure safe passageway for visitors attending the Solstice celebration.
Sunrise is at approx. 0458 hrs on Sunday, 21st June 2009.
Stonehenge re-opens for normal admissions at 0900 hrs (9am) on Monday, 22nd June 2009.

But what you really want to know is, what to wear, what to drink, and whether or not you can camp, right? Don't miss these Stonehenge Solstice Do's and Don'ts.

Enjoy! (within designated hours, of course).

Fri, 19-06-2009 16:53

Visitor:

It's possible to get inside the Circle on many days:

http://www.solvingstonehenge.co.uk/page8.html

Sat, 20-06-2009 16:33

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