Celebrate The Summer Solstice At Crawick Multiverse

After a fantastic event in June 2022 where crowds gathered at Crawick Multiverse near Sanquhar to experience the first moments of sunrise and to mark the Summer Solstice in Dumfries and Galloway, this year The Crawick Multiverse Trust and The Open University (OU) in Scotland will co-host an even bigger and extended programme of Summer Solstice celebrations in Upper Nithsdale from the 18^th to 24^th June 2023.

Crawick Multiverse, a former open-cast coal mine transformed into an artland by the late Charles Jencks, is located on the border of Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire in the South of Scotland and boasts giant conical mounds representing colliding galaxies, a long avenue of standing stones and other spectacular features inspired by the sun, stars, and other wonders of the cosmos. As well as a unique destination and visitor attraction, The Multiverse is increasingly popular as an outdoor events and performance venue.

Summer Solstice Week at Crawick Multiverse 2023 will begin on Sunday 18^th June with a family-friendly open day featuring tours and interactive talks on site. The evening will see the launch of Solstice Seminars; a programme of talks from leading specialists in Space Science from The Open University, including professors Monica Grady CBE, Stephen Peake and Mahesh Anand, in Sanquhar Town Hall.

Throughout the week young people and teachers from local schools and community groups will also participate in tours and workshops delivered by OU and supported by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Dumfries and Galloway. Activities for schools will take place on site and in schools and other community venues including A‘ the Airts in Sanquhar.

Celebrations will continue at The Multiverse on what will be the longest day, Wednesday 21^st June, starting with an early morning Sunrise Ceremony, led by Open University professor of religious studies, Graham Harvey and professional storyteller, Gordon MacLellan. Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities including self-guided sensory tours, guided tours, yoga sessions and Tai Chi demonstrations. Solstice Day visitors will also be treated to an afternoon of entertainment from local musicians and performers culminating in a late afternoon Tilt Ceremony to mark the moment when the sun is at maximum tilt.

A Midsummers Day Family Picnic will bring the Summer Solstice Week celebrations to a close on Saturday 24^th June. Visitors will be able to roam the site, browse a pop-up exhibition and enjoy midsummer entertainment from local stars and performers.  Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic or pre-order a picnic box.

Cathy Agnew, Trustee, The Crawick Multiverse Trust said:

“We’re thrilled to be inviting visitors and locals to our unique space at Crawick to mark the Summer Solstice in whatever way they choose.  We believe the site and the spectacular surrounding countryside lends itself perfectly for visitors to celebrate the Solstice, alone or with their friends and family. We are delighted to be co-hosting the whole community programme with The Open University in Scotland and to be working closely with local schools, businesses and venues to ensure the wider community are very much part of the celebrations. We hope visitors will also enjoy more of what our beautiful region has to offer.”

Derek Goldman, Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager at The Open University in Scotland added:

To find out more and to purchase tickets for any of the events taking place during Summer Solstice Week at Crawick Multiverse 2023 visit: www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk