CAR PARK OPENS:
Gates to the car park open at 7:00 pm on Friday 20th June 2008. Don't arrive early or you'll just end up being stuck in a traffic jam 'car stack' as roads are closed or made 'one-way' to accommodate people who do arrive early!
MONUMENT FIELD GATES OPEN:
The gates from the car park for the 15-20 minute or so minute walk to the monument field open at 8:00 pm on Friday 20th June 2008.
SUNSET:
Sunset is a few minutes before 9:30 pm and there is a sunset ceremony/acoustic music inside the stones as the sunset approaches.
ACOUSTIC ENTERTAINMENT:
Last year there was the first 'Gathering Area' for acoustic unamplified music so that many move on from the stones to the gathering area as it starts to get dark. This year the gathering area will be bigger and hopefully there will also be music by one of the braziers.
GET INVOLVED: Perform at the Solstice: Click Here
GET INVOLVED: Be a Peace Steward:Click Here
KING'S DRUMMERS:
At 2.00 am to 2.30 am the King's Drummers forum an and process from the tunnel (where the usual visitors come in) to near the Heal Stone with torches and dancers as well as the drums. They then perform a static show to take us through the darkest part of the night before sunrise approaches.
DRUID CEREMONIES:
There is a druid ceremony at the Heal stone for sunrise and other ceremonies here and there throughout the night.
ALCOHOL & BEHAVIOUR:
There is a limit on alcohol of four cans per person. If you bring more you risk having it confiscated. Also anyone who is 'intoxicated' (on whatever) risks being refused entry or being asked to leave. This is because many Solstice Attendees consider Stonehenge to be a Sacred Site and the whole experience should be enjoyable for ALL and not ruined for many by the actions of an intoxicated few!
ESSENTIAL READING:
English Heritage 'Conditions of Entry' are now online on their own web site as a 'pdf'. The are recommended reading as not only to they tell you what you can't bring (to save you having to take it back to the car park) the COE gives you lots of Essential Advice on what to expect; what sort of clothing to wear (WARM & WATERPROOF); plus other useful stuff for those who haven't been before. Even if you have beeen before - check them out as they do contain changes from last year.
CAR PARK LAST ADMISSION: Is at 6:00 am on Saturday 21st June, 2008.
MONUMENT FIELD CLOSES: At 8:00 am on Saturday 21st June, 2008.
CAR PARK CLOSES: At 12 Noon on Saturday 21st June, 2008.
SUMMER SOLSTICE BUS (SALISBURY TO STONEHENGE & BACK)
Wilts & Dorset Busses have not yet put their new timetable online. Stay Tuned for an update here. However it is confirmed that this bus service will run. Expect a price hike though due to fuel price rises as the 2006 & 2007 ticket price had been held at 2005 levels.
