Summer Solstice help needed

[xploit]

Been thinking of doing something for the Summer Solstice, originally thought of going to Stonehenge but after reading this:

have you done a recent stonehenge solstice? reason i ask is that, in my experience, it's turned into an event i wouldn't really want to take kids too coz it's just people getting completely mashed and disrespecting everything. i have sworn never to go again on summer solstice coz it has been ruined imho. the burger vans have moved in, it's a sea of litter and cops in stab vests surrounded by very few people who actually care about the sunrise and what the stones are there for.

[llcoolphil]

Been thinking of doing something for the Summer Solstice, originally thought of going to Stonehenge but after reading this:

I'm not sure which would be the best place to go - which would you suggest?

HELP!...

[scaryclaireyfairy]

i've never spent the solstice at either, but avebury had more feeling to it just as a place for me.

[spg]

thats a hard one, i live between the two and this year i just dont know might just go for avebury cos done henge many times on solstice but not avebury, tho many times visited.

good luck on the decision

ai

[Runner]

From my experience of just visiting Avebury (have never done the 'solstice' thing) I would go there. An amazing place, incredibly welcoming and spiritual.

[Fairies for Change]

I tend to go to Stonehenge for the Winter Solstice and Avebury in Summer. The summer Solstice at Stonhenge has a great atmosphere in many ways, but there is a lot of disrespect for the Stones and as a pagan/historian I find that very hard. Avebury is a much smaller affair and much more relaxed. Sunset is fantastic as the Kings Drummers come and play their hearts out and loads of people have fire poi and the like. I don't think I'd take young kids to Stonehenge for Summer - although I definitely would for Winter.

There is of course sunset and sunrise ceremonies officiated by the Druids.

That said, I should mention that Avebury is becoming increasingly difficult to get to each year. Friends of mine are on the Joint Committee that manages access for the pagan festivals and there is clearly a very difficult balancing act between the desires of the pagan community (which they represent) and NT. NT are very concerned that numbers have increased year on year for Solstice and seem to be trying to shut this down... for example there will be no overnight parking permitted and anyone parking will be towed. I also understand that there will be a police presence and anyone arriving forsunrise will be denied anywhere to park.

I don't want to out you off, I love Solstice at Avebury and will be there myself, but I would suggest that you think about parking somewhere like the Ridgeway and walking into Avebury (down the ancient Avenue) rather than trying to park in the village.

Hope to see you!

Blessed be

[Runner]

That said, I should mention that Avebury is becoming increasingly difficult to get to each year. Friends of mine are on the Joint Committee that manages access for the pagan festivals and there is clearly a very difficult balancing act between the desires of the pagan community (which they represent) and NT. NT are very concerned that numbers have increased year on year for Solstice and seem to be trying to shut this down... for example there will be no overnight parking permitted and anyone parking will be towed. I also understand that there will be a police presence and anyone arriving forsunrise will be denied anywhere to park.

I don't want to out you off, I love Solstice at Avebury and will be there myself, but I would suggest that you think about parking somewhere like the Ridgeway and walking into Avebury (down the ancient Avenue) rather than trying to park in the village.

Hope to see you!

Blessed be

[Fairies for Change]

This is the difference between the two. Stonehenge is pretty much on its own, with large parking facilities, whereas Avebury is literally in the heart of a village.

It's beautiful.