Every year around June 21, masses of people gather at Stonehenge to bask in the beautiful summer solstice sunrise above the iconic stones and hang with hundreds of modern day druids and pagans making the scene. However, due to the COVID-19 mandates prohibiting mass gatherings, Stonehenge will be “closed for a while,” according to the charity English Heritage that manages the site. Instead, they’ll stream the solstice live from the prehistoric monument. (Above is a recording of last year’s solstice.)
“We hope that our live stream offers an alternative opportunity for people near and far to connect with this spiritual place at such a special time of year and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year,” said Stonehenge director Nichola Tasker.
“We know how strong the draw to come is for some people, but I would take this opportunity to say please do not travel to Stonehenge this summer solstice, but watch it online instead.”
For everyone's safety and wellbeing, we've had to cancel this year's summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge.
We know how special this occasion is to so many of you, and we'll be live streaming it for free online. pic.twitter.com/zMi0NzCmbO
— English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) May 12, 2020