Today is the longest day in Britain. It the summer solstice.
Midsummer celebrations have been held in Britain at the time of the solstice for thousands of years. Ancient stone circles like Stonehenge are still the focal point for such ceremonies today. More than 20,000 people descended on Stonehenge to greet the longest day. Some worshipped, others partied. Many were there to enjoy the atmosphere of the summer solstice at Stonehenge.
The sunrose at 4.52am for the start of the longest day of the year. After a warm, night the mist and mizzle arrived, making it impossible to judge the moment when the sun rose over the Wiltshire plain without a watch!
By this time next year major changes at Stonehenge will be complete. On Monday, one of the roads that runs close to the stones will be closed and by this time next year it should be grassed over as part of a project to restore one of the key approaches to the site. This change will reconnect Stonehenge with the landscape, allowing visitors to walk between the stone circle and the prehistoric avenue from which people would have once approached the monument. Get in line for the summer solstice next year at Stonehenge!
Happy longest day and happy weekend to everyone!
Source: The Independent, The Guardian, BBC News
Midsummer celebrations have been held in Britain at the time of the solstice for thousands of years. Ancient stone circles like Stonehenge are still the focal point for such ceremonies today. More than 20,000 people descended on Stonehenge to greet the longest day. Some worshipped, others partied. Many were there to enjoy the atmosphere of the summer solstice at Stonehenge.
The sunrose at 4.52am for the start of the longest day of the year. After a warm, night the mist and mizzle arrived, making it impossible to judge the moment when the sun rose over the Wiltshire plain without a watch!
By this time next year major changes at Stonehenge will be complete. On Monday, one of the roads that runs close to the stones will be closed and by this time next year it should be grassed over as part of a project to restore one of the key approaches to the site. This change will reconnect Stonehenge with the landscape, allowing visitors to walk between the stone circle and the prehistoric avenue from which people would have once approached the monument. Get in line for the summer solstice next year at Stonehenge!
Happy longest day and happy weekend to everyone!
