Stonehenge Solsttice Gathering - Monday 20th June

Stonehenge 2005 - The odyssey continues.....



SUMMER SOLSTICE 2005



CONDITIONS OF ENTRY AND INFORMATION





English Heritage is pleased to be providing Managed Open Access to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice. Please help us to create a peaceful occasion by taking personal responsibility and following the Conditions of Entry set out below. We have a duty of care to ensure public safety and are responsible for the protection of Stonehenge and its surrounding Monuments. Please read and observe the entry conditions. If we are to ensure that future access is sustainable, it is essential that everyone abides by these Conditions of Entry.



English Heritage continues to work closely with the many agencies and people from all sectors of the community and would like to thank them for their help and support.



Parking and entry will be free, subject to the Conditions of Entry. Please do not arrive at the Solstice Car Park or Stonehenge in advance of the opening time.


SOLSTICE CAR PARK OPENS


2000 hours (8pm) Monday 20th June

ACCESS TO STONEHENGE


2200 hours (10pm) Monday 20th June

STONEHENGE CLOSES


0900 hours (9am) Tuesday 21st June

LAST ADMISSION TO SOLSTICE CAR PARK


0800 hours (8am) Tuesday 21st June

SOLSTICE CAR PARK TO BE VACATED


1300 hours (1pm) Tuesday 21st June



Sunrise will occur at 04.58 on Tuesday 21st June 2005




WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A HAPPY SOLSTICE


INDEX

 

SECTION 1: CONDITIONS OF ENTRY PAGES 2 – 3

1.1 THE STONES

1.2 BAGS

1.3 FIRES OR FIREWORKS

1.4 AMPLIFIED MUSIC

1.5 DOGS OR OTHER ANIMALS

1.6 CAMPING OR EQUIPMENT

1.7 BOTTLES, GLASS OR OTHER OBJECTS

1.8 CAR PARK

 

SECTION 2: PLANNING YOUR VISIT PAGES 4 – 5

2.1 PUBLIC TRANSPORT

2.2 CAR PARKING AND ACCESS

2.3 ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

2.4 ROAD CLOSURES

2.5 CYCLES

2.6 WARM CLOTHING

2.7 LOCAL CAMPING FACILITIES

2.8 TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

2.9 SOLSTICE INFORMATION HOTLINE

2.10 STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE WEBSITE

2.11 MAP/PLAN

 

SECTION 3: OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION PAGES 5 - 6

3.1 THE STONE CIRCLE & GATHERING AREAS

3.2 REFRESHMENT FACILITIES

3.3 DRINKING WATER

3.4 TOILET FACILITIES

3.5 FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

3.6 CHILD SAFETY

3.7 WELFARE INFORMATION & MEETING POINTS

3.8 SMOKING/FIRE RISK

3.9 LIGHTING

3.10 COUNTRYSIDE AWARENESS/RUBBISH DISPOSAL

3.11 UNLICENSED TRADERS

3.12 STEWARDS

3.13 EVACUATION/PA ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY



These Conditions of Entry are written to ensure enjoyment and public safety for everyone. Contravention of any of these conditions may result in admission being refused or removal from Stonehenge. Drunken, disorderly or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. Only small amounts of alcohol for personal use will be permitted. In order to ensure personal safety, random searching may be undertaken, but we hope that self-policing and personal responsibility will prevail.



English Heritage reserves the right to refuse admission.



1.1 THE STONES

Please do not climb on, stand or lean against the stones. This is in the interest of personal safety, the protection of this special site and respect for those attending. As well as putting the stones themselves at risk, climbing on them can damage the delicate lichens. This includes the stones that are fallen.



1.2 BAGS

Large bags or large rucksacks, or similar items will not be allowed on site. Small bags/rucksacks (similar size to hand luggage on airlines) will be permitted. Sleeping on the ground creates a trip hazard and in the interests of safety, sleeping bags or duvets will not be allowed on site. Small groundsheets will be permitted.



1.3 FIRES OR FIREWORKS

Please do not bring or light: fires, flaming torches, candles, night-lights, fireworks, and other real flames or bring flammable substances or fuel. This applies to the stones, to the land that surrounds them and to the Solstice Car Park. The nature of this access makes real flame extremely dangerous; it infringes local bylaws and regulations and constitutes a potential fire hazard.



1.4 AMPLIFIED MUSIC

Stonehenge is a world renowned historic Monument and it is seen by many as a sacred site and amplified music is not appropriate. No amplified music will be permitted at Stonehenge, in the surrounding landscape or Solstice Car Park. Acoustic instruments will be permitted.



1.5 DOGS OR OTHER ANIMALS

Please do not bring dogs. Dogs, pets or other creatures are not permitted into Stonehenge except registered Guide Dogs. Apart from potentially upsetting wildlife and stock in the area, animal faeces present a health risk to children and also to people walking barefoot.



1.6 CAMPING OR EQUIPMENT

Please do not put up tents or bring camping equipment, garden furniture, large rucksacks or other large items to the Monument; this includes gas cylinders and barbecues. It also includes trolleys, push chairs or buggies that are not exclusively used for a child, wheelbarrows and any other form of porterage.



1.7 BOTTLES GLASS OR OTHER OBJECTS

Please note that glass will not be allowed into the Monument as many people walk barefoot, and in addition, livestock and wildlife also graze in the area. This also includes any other objects that could cause damage to the Monument or people there. No plastic bottles will be available for decanting, so please decant before you arrive.



1.8 CAR PARK

In order to ensure that all those who wish to come can share in the Solstice, please park sensibly and only where directed by a steward or police officer to enable us to fully use the Solstice Car Park area. Do not park on the A303 or other neighbouring roads. Cars parked illegally will be towed away.



2. PLANNING YOUR VISIT



2.1 PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Wilts and Dorset Bus Company will be running a service from Salisbury Railway and Bus stations to Stonehenge over the Solstice period. This service will commence at 20.30 hours (8.30pm) on Monday 20th June and run regularly until 01.15 hours (1.15am) on Tuesday 21st June. After sunrise, a service taking people back to Salisbury will start again at 05.15 hours (5.15am) and run regularly until 09.45 hours (9.45am). Access to Stonehenge from the bus drop off point is through the National Trust farmland.



To help you plan your journey to Stonehenge, further details on train and bus fares and timetables are available through the following websites:



South West Trains www.swtrains.co.uk

Wessex Trains www.wessextrains.co.uk

National Rail Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk Tel: 08457 48 49 50

Wilts and Dorset Bus Company www.wdbus.co.uk Tel: 01722 33 68 55



2.2 CAR PARKING AND ACCESS

The Solstice Car Park that is located close to Airman’s Cross just off the A303, (adjacent the A344/A360 junction) will be clearly sign-posted. People will be able to walk the approximate 1km to Stonehenge along a designated route. The route is not lit and you may wish to bring a small battery-operated torch. Subject to weather conditions, coaches and other large vehicles may need to be directed to a hard standing parking area.



The Stonehenge car park next to the Monument will be closed to the public, as will the connecting road (A344). Any cars found parked illegally in the surrounding area will be removed.



2.3 ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

There will be a taxi minibus service between the Solstice Car Park and Stonehenge for people who are wheelchair-bound, have mobility difficulties or are infirm. The minibus will be available from 22.00 hours (10.00pm) on Monday 20th June to 08.30 hours (8.30am) on Tuesday 21st June. For further information, please ask a car parking steward on your arrival at the Solstice Car Park.



Wheelchair users, accompanied by one carer, will be given access to Stonehenge via the visitor centre entry point and the tunnel under the A344. This access route will be closed to the general public.



Wheelchairs will not be provided by English Heritage.



2.4 ROAD CLOSURES

Closure of designated routes and other public highways will be in operation to ensure safe pedestrian passage to Stonehenge and allow unimpeded access in the event of an emergency. Please follow the signs as advised to the Solstice Car Park and Stonehenge.



2.5 CYCLES

Please do not bring cycles to the Monument, they will not be permitted beyond the Solstice Car Park. Please bring your own locking device and park your cycle in the designated area. Ask a steward at the Car Park entrance for assistance.



2.6 WARM CLOTHING

Despite the time of year, the weather at Stonehenge can be very cold and damp, and people are advised to wear appropriate warm clothing and footwear. Do not bring sleeping bags or duvets, since these can create a hazard.



2.7 LOCAL CAMPING FACILITIES

There are two local campsites. Please check availability and entry conditions in advance.

- Stonehenge Touring Park, Orcheston, Nr Shrewton. Tel: 01980 620304

- Salisbury Caravan & Camp Site, Hudsons Field, Castle Road, Salisbury. Tel: 01722 320713



2.8 TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

Tourist Information Centres for local area are:



Amesbury Tel: 01980 622833 www.salisbury.gov.uk/leisure/tics/amesbury-tic.asp

Salisbury Tel: 01722 334956 www.salisbury.gov.uk/leisure/tics/salisbury-tic.asp

Devizes Tel: 01380 729408

Andover Tel: 01264 324320


2.9 SOLSTICE INFORMATION HOTLINE

For further information about the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, please telephone English Heritage on 0870 333 1186.



2.10 STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE WEBSITE

The English Heritage Stonehenge Summer Solstice website can be found at



 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/summersolstice





2.11 MAP/PLAN

A map/plan will be publicised on the website before Solstice and will also be handed out on the night.



3. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION


3.1 THE STONE CIRCLE AND GATHERING AREAS

There will be two areas to gather, with braziers provided. Please use the areas for your own enjoyment, such as poetry or meditation.



3.2 REFRESHMENT FACILITIES

Authorised catering points, selling hot and cold refreshments, will be provided.



3.3 DRINKING WATER

There is a tap for drinking water close to the Monument which will be clearly marked on the map that is handed out on arrival.



3.4 TOILET FACILITIES

Portaloos, including toilets for disabled people will be provided at the Solstice Car Park and in the Monument area. Please use these; do not desecrate the Monument or surrounding area.



3.5 FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Wiltshire Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance Service, Wiltshire Constabulary and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will be in attendance.



3.6 CHILD SAFETY

Parents are requested that children are not left unattended at any time.



3.7 WELFARE INFORMATION & MEETING POINTS

There will be two clearly marked points, one in the Solstice Car Park and one close to the entrance to the Monument. These will be manned with appropriately trained staff.



3.8 SMOKING/FIRE RISK

If weather conditions have been hot and dry, subject to Fire Service advice it may be necessary to ask people not to smoke.



3.9 LIGHTING

Please note that there will be ambient lighting throughout the night. Lights will be systematically turned off as dawn approaches and as soon as it is operationally safe to do so.


3.10 COUNTRYSIDE AWARENESS/ RUBBISH DISPOSAL

People are asked not to drop litter and to respect local farmers' crops and livestock. Black bags will be handed out and skips will be provided for rubbish disposal. Please use them.



3.11 UNLICENSED TRADERS

No unlicensed, non-invited traders will be permitted to set up. This applies to the Monument area, the surrounding landscape and the Solstice Car Park.



3.12 STEWARDS

There will be stewards on duty to assist with the smooth and successful running of Solstice. They are also there to answer questions. Please do not hesitate to approach them, they are there to help. Please also report any activity that concerns you to a member of staff immediately.



3.13 EVACUATION/ PA ANNOUNCEMENTS

In the unlikely event of an incident that requires the evacuation of the Monument area or Solstice Car Park, we would ask that members of the public please respond quickly to instructions given by stewarding staff, the Police or other Emergency Service personnel. PA announcements for your safety and information may be made throughout the access period.



LIABILITY

English Heritage accepts no liability for any injury to persons or loss of or damage to property arising in any way whatsoever whilst at Stonehenge or the Solstice Car Park, and entry is at people's own risk. Although the Solstice Car Park will be stewarded, please note that any people entering this area do so at their own risk.





WE HOPE THE WEATHER WILL BE KIND AND WISH YOU A

PEACEFUL AND CELEBRATORY SOLSTICE

 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/summersolstice


other stonehenge and beanfield info can be found @
 http://www.infinitepossibility.org/stonehenge11