Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

CARRY ON TOURS ARE NOW OFFERING A FANTASTIC SOLSTICE PACKAGE - MAKE YOUR SOLSTICE WITH US THE BEST YET - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

click here to see photos of last years event.

Join us in this peaceful celebration of the most powerful entity known to man

As the sun spirals its longest dance,
Cleanse us
As nature shows bounty and fertility
Bless us
Let all things live with loving intent
And to fulfill their truest destiny
Taken from a Wiccan blessing for Summer

From time immemorial people have worshipped the sun and have revered its power.

The very word Solstice means a stopping or standing still of the sun. It is the longest day of the year and the time when the sun is at maximum elevation. The Celts celebrated with bonfires, to add power and energy to the sun, All over the world, different cultures and religions celebrate the sun in different ways.

The Pagan rituals that occur on midsummers eve are the best well known even today. For Pagans this time of the year is incredibly significant. The Goddess took over the earth from the horned God at the start of spring time and by the solstice she is seen to be in her prime. At the very height of power and fertility. For some this marks the marriage of the God and the Goddess and it is from this union that springs forth the fruits of the harvest.

At the same time this is celebrated as being a change in the seasons, the longest day thus signifying that from this point on, the days will shorten and the autumn and then winter slowly set in, the ongoing shifts in the seasons representing the ever changing cycle of life. One of the most significant places in which to celebrate this change and this power is at the ancient religious sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury and that's where we're going.

In a very basic and relaxed night, we will be taking a group of people to Stonehenge to witness the morning sun rising over the sacred stones. This is a one off event and places will go very quickly, make sure you book now to enjoy this incredibly significant event. We will be staying overnight at the stone circle and will have no shelter or access to the vehicle which will leave us when we get dropped off. Please make sure you come prepared for the wonderfully predictably unpredictable British weather! We can help - click here for info on our solstice package.

Tour details

  • Tour departs Wednesday June 20th 2007
  • Tour returns Thursday June 21st 2007 - the longest day of the year

Sun rise is at 04:58 this year!

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Tour cost and date

Due to the nature of this event, there are certain rules we have to adhere to in order that everyone can continue to celebrate this extraordinary occurance in peace and harmony. They are as follows:

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

These Conditions of Entry are written to ensure enjoyment and public safety for everyone. Contravention of any of these conditions may result in admission being refused or removal from Stonehenge. Drunken, disorderly or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Only small amounts of alcohol for personal use will be permitted. In order to ensure personal safety, random searching may be undertaken, but we hope that self-policing and personal responsibility will prevail. English Heritage reserves the right to refuse admission.

•The Stones
Please do not climb on, stand or lean against the stones. This is in the interest of personal safety, the protection of this special site and respect for those attending. As well as putting the stones themselves at risk, climbing on them can damage the delicate lichens. This includes the stones that are fallen.

• Bags
Large bags, rucksacks, sleeping bags and similar items will not be allowed on site. Please leave bags in vehicles.

• Fires or Fireworks
Please do not bring or light: fires, flaming torches, candles, night-lights, fireworks, and other real flames or bring flammable substances or fuel. This applies to the stones, to the land that surrounds them and to the Designated Car Park. The nature of this access makes real flame extremely dangerous; it infringes local bylaws and regulations and constitutes a potential fire hazard.

• Amplified Music
Stonehenge is a world famous prehistoric Monument. It is seen by many as a sacred site and amplified music is not appropriate. No amplified music will be permitted at Stonehenge, in the surrounding landscape or Designated Car Park. Acoustic instruments will be permitted.

• Camping or Equipment
Please do not put up tents or bring camping equipment, garden furniture, rucksacks or other large items to the Monument, this includes gas cylinders and barbecues. It also includes trolleys, push chairs or buggies that are not exclusively used for a child, wheelbarrows and any other form of porterage.

• Bottles, Glass or Other Objects
Please note that glass will not be allowed into the Monument as many people walk barefoot, and in addition, livestock and wildlife also graze in the area. This also includes any other objects that could cause damage to the Monument or people there. No plastic bottles will be available for decanting so please decant before you arrive.

• Lighting
Please note that there will be ambient lighting throughout the night. Lights will be systematically turned off as dawn approaches and only as soon as it is operationally safe to do so.

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