Good News: The Summer Solstice Over the Stonehenge Will Be Livestreamed For Free

Good News: The Summer Solstice Over the Stonehenge Will Be Livestreamed For Free

Don't miss your chance to watch the sunrise!
by Kyzia Maramara | May 13, 2020

The Stonehenge summer solstice celebrations have been canceled, much to the disappointment of many.

English Heritage, a charity that manages hundreds of historic monuments in England, said it was “for the safety and well-being of attendees, volunteers, and staff.” With the coronavirus pandemic imposing a ban on mass gatherings, it’s everyone’s priority to comply to curb virus spread.

The site has confirmed that the sunrise will instead be live-streamed on its social media page. According to Stonehenge director Nichola Tasker, this is “an alternative opportunity for people near and far to connect with this spiritual place at such a special time of year.”

It has been a tradition for thousands to visit England’s neolithic Wiltshire monument on Salisbury Plain to witness the summer solstice shine over the historic Stonehenge. The event is usually held around June 21 on the longest day of the year. It’s also one of the rare occasions where the stones are open for public access.

The crowd during last December 2019’s Winter Solstice

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument built about 5,000 years ago. During the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone, an ancient huge unshaped boulder standing isolated outside the Stone Circle. Rays of sunlight are then beautifully channeled into the center of the monument.

For those who have Stonehenge summer solstice on their bucket lists, now is your chance to witness the spectacular event in the comfort of your home.

Will you be waiting for the live stream?