Every year on June 21, people from around the world gather at Stonehenge overnight to see the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) on the site. As the first rays of the sun sets foot across the prehistoric monument, the people watch as the sun rises above the ring of standing stones.
This year, however, is different, as going outside is greatly discouraged, if not prohibited, and people spend all their days indoors. With this in mind, the English Heritage organization, the institution that manages Stonehenge, announced that they will be livestreaming the Stonehenge summer solstice sunrise on the 21st of June, bringing the sunrise experience directly to our homes.
Nichola Tasker, the director of Stonehenge, said, “We have consulted widely on whether we could have proceeded safely and we would have dearly liked to host the event as per usual, but sadly in the end, we feel we have no choice but to cancel.
“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.”
Thank you, English Heritage!
(Image Credit: garethwiscombe/ Wikimedia Commons)