English Heritage will livestream the midsummer solstice event from Stonehenge this year, allowing global audiences to witness the ancient monument’s solstice celebrations via YouTube and Facebook. The site, renowned for marking solstices for millennia, will also welcome visitors in person, with the charity urging respect for the stones, which constitute a unique and vulnerable archaeological heritage.
On June 21, the longest day of the year, the sun’s rays are expected to pass through the Heel Stone, illuminating the monument’s center in a spectacle that draws crowds annually. Richard Dewdney, head of operations for Stonehenge at English Heritage, emphasized the significance of the occasion as a communal celebration and highlighted the responsibility to protect the site. He stated, “Celebrating summer solstice at Stonehenge is a fantastic occasion for friends and families to come together to mark the longest day of the year, and it’s our job to look after everybody and the ancient stones at this time.” Dewdney also encouraged those preferring to observe from home to take advantage of the livestreamed sunrise and sunset events.
Due to limited parking and anticipated traffic congestion, visitors are advised to use public transport or car-sharing options. English Heritage has provided detailed information on road closures and diversions on its website. Notably, parking payments this year will be exclusively processed through the PayByPhone app.
In collaboration with Wiltshire Police, English Heritage will enforce safety protocols throughout the solstice period. Measures include restricting access to only small bags within the Monument Field and conducting searches overnight. Visitors are advised to bring only essential items.
Entry to Stonehenge for the solstice event is free, though parking fees apply, and pre-booking parking is recommended. The site will close to regular visitors at 3 p.m. on June 20, with last admissions at 1 p.m., before reopening for managed solstice access at 7 p.m. It will remain open overnight, closing at 8 a.m. on June 21.
Dewdney concluded, “We look forward to welcoming you to Stonehenge on the longest day of the year, whether on-site or online.”
