Coronavirus: People defy Stonehenge travel ban to celebrate soggy summer solstice
Written by News on 21/06/2020
People defied advice not to travel to Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice and fought wind and rain so they could mark the occasion.
English Heritage livestreamed the Neolithic stones through Saturday night and Sunday morning so fans could enjoy a virtual solstice celebration.
More than 3.6 million people tuned in, but dozens went against official advice not to travel to the site during the coronavirus lockdown and turned up in person instead.
The ancient attraction is currently closed, but due to officially reopen to tourists on 4 July.
People dressed in traditional costumes were seen battling wind and rain as they clutched at their waterproofs this morning.
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Traditionally solstice observers watch the sunrise after the longest day of the year, when site managers relax the ban on touching the stones, which has been in place to protect them since 1977.
But the sun was nowhere to be seen across Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, with clouds dominating the sky.
Normally, around 100,000 people attend the site, which also hosts events at winter solstice and the spring and autumn equinox.
Stonehenge director Nichola Tasker said: “It was a rather wet but nonetheless atmospheric sunrise this morning and we were delighted to see that so many people around the world were enjoying the unique experience of seeing the dawn at Stonehenge on midsummer’s day.
“We were sorry not to be able to open for solstice this year but we hope that our live stream offered the opportunity for people near and far to connect with this spiritual place at such a special time. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”
She did not comment on those who attended in person.
Current COVID-19 regulations in England allow people to travel to beauty spots, providing they do not cross the border into Wales or Scotland, as they have different measures in place.
Solstice fans missed out on good weather by just a few days, with temperatures in the south of England expected to reach 30C (86F) by Wednesday.
(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: People defy Stonehenge travel ban to celebrate soggy summer solstice
