Revellers have been urged to stay away from Avebury during the summer solstice this year.
The National Trust has announced that there will be no extended or overnight opening hours of any of its facilities at Avebury over the summer solstice weekend (June 19 to 21).
The trust says it has consulted widely with its partners, including the local community, Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council and joins them in asking people not to visit Avebury and the surrounding areas for Solstice celebrations.
This is in line with current government guidelines and to protect the local community from the impact of large gatherings of people.
Jan Tomlin, general manager of the National Trust Wiltshire Landscape said: “We recognise that this is a spiritually important time of the year for many people and we’re sad and disappointed that for a second year we’re unable to facilitate the celebrations.
"Our priority is always to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers, attendees and residents, and we believe the best way to do this is to continue to follow the guidance on mass gatherings, which will remain in place until at least the Solstice weekend.”
The celebrations, which take place every midsummer, regularly attract many additional visitors to Avebury.
This year, the visitor car park, toilets, and catering outlets will only open for their standard daytime opening hours. There will be no camping facilities in the village.
Inspector Al Lumley of Wiltshire Police said: “Public safety is our priority and whilst we are seeing a gradual lifting of government restrictions, I would ask anyone considering celebrating Solstice at Avebury this year to follow the guidance on large gatherings in order to protect yourselves and others.”
Ms Tomlin added: “We thank everyone for their understanding during these difficult and uncertain times and we look forward to welcoming Summer Solstice celebrants again in 2022.”
Those who don’t have access to a dawn view can watch the Summer Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge via a live-stream by English Heritage.
Information for this can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury.
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