UPDATED - 23rd MAY 2008
Following on from the successful introduction of the Gathering Area for the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge last year (2007) its happening again this year (in less than a month!) As the Gathering Area was such a Success last year, it will be larger for 2008.

INTRODUCTION
The Stonehenge Round Table is a panel that brings together all the interested parties that facilitate & assist the quarter day accesses to Stonehenge & especially the all night access each Summer Solstice. Members include English Heritage, the National Trust, Wiltshire Constabulary, plus all the Un-Paid Members who represent many of those who attend: Druids & Druid Orders, local residents, astrologers, those with cultural interests in the stones & Festival Eye.

Visitors representatives on the Round Table feel that two approaches would held address the problems of over crowding in the Stone Circle, Enhance Spirituality & Visitor Enjoyment over the Open Access Period in Two ways:

*  1) PERFORMANCE: Musicians & Performers Of All Kinds - Click Here

*  2) SPIRITUAL: Spiritual Folk - Click Here

Some people do this spontaneously already around the site as a whole ... but ... we would like to expand on this, especially as the Open Access covers the Sunset as well as the Sunrise.

1) PERFORMANCES
2007 was the First Time we had a suitable Illuminated Matted Gathering Area :-) & it was a Great Success!

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN IN AT THE 'GATHERING AREA' FOR 2008
Therefore, if we know you would like to participate, be it:
* Bardic/Spoken Word;
* Acoustic Music or other sounds;
* Dance;
* Theatre;
* Other 'Performance Art'
* Face Painting
* Or any other activity which people will enjoy :-)
Please let us know, so we can try to ensure you have the slot or slots you need.

WHEN? & HOW?
Performances at the 'Gathering Area' will start after Dark (around 10.00 pm) and the aim is for them to continue all of, or at least most of the night. There will be people 'on hand' at the Gathering Area' (names to be confirmed before the event).

All you need to do is 'Book Yourself In' to one of the 30 Minute 'Slots' & then come back to perform. You are invited to put your name down more than once if you'd like to and of course you are welcome to perform anywhere else in the meantime too :-)

BRINGING INSTRUMENTS
As long as your instrument is not 'spiked' (such as cellos) then they will be allowed in. If you don't want to carry your instruments all night you are encouraged to take them back to the car park. Otherwise you can leave them at 'left luggage' which is secure.

SUNSET (BEFORE THE GATHERING AREA 'STARTS')
In addition to the 'Gathering Area' Musicians are invited to come to the Stone Circle so that both before and after the Druid Sunset Ceremony you can join in with the Celebrations. Naturally, this will be 'organic' & would depend on the wishes of the general 'crowd' so that if there was a 'will' for acoustic & bardic performance after the Sunset Ceremony then it will happen.

2) SPIRITUAL
To Improve the Spirituality of the Open Access, We are looking for Groups who are willing to put on a Ceremony for around 15 / 30 minutes, so there can be a growing number of Sacred Spaces maintained throughout the night. The Arch Druid of Stonehenge, Rollo Maughfling, will open with a Ceremony at Sunset, & will also preside over the Sunrise Celebration itself.

SUNSET CEREMONY
If you would like to participate in the Sunset Ceremony or would like to perform your own Ceremony immediatly afterwards, then please get in touch. Obviously what happens inside the stones directly after the Sunset will be 'organic' & will depend on the wishes of the general 'crowd'.

If any of you have been to the summer solstice open access at Stonehenge you will have seen how chaotic things can seem, because the stones will always be the major focal point for the thousands of people who attend. We want to help facilitate everyone having a chance to enjoy being so close to them on a such a special & sacred day.

If you wish to offer something, do email Fee Warner - fee@mercurymoon.co.uk or Roy Gillett - roy.gillett@ntlworld.com)