A Dumfriesshire artland is hosting a week of celebrations from Sunday to mark the summer solstice.
The Crawick Multiverse, near Sanquhar, has arranged a series of events in conjunction with The Open University in Scotland.
The venue is expected to attract crowds to experience the first moments of sunrise marking the summer solstice on Wednesday.
But it will also be the site of a bumper programme of events running up to June 24.
The former open-cast coal mine was transformed into the amazing artland by the late Charles Jencks and the Duke of Buccleuch.
Its giant conical mounds represent colliding galaxies and a long avenue of standing stones and other spectacular features inspired by the sun, stars, and other wonders of the cosmos, provide the ideal setting for the events.
The programme starts with Sunday’s Over the Moon family-friendly open day from 10am to 6pm, featuring tours by popular guide Kathleen Cronie.
There will also be self-guided sensory mapping tours created by Dr Lindsay Crisp from the OU and an interactive talk about living on the moon by Mahesh Anand, professor in planetary science and exploration.
Visitors can also enjoy a Soapbox Science workshop exploring energy and the environment with Stephen Peake, professor in climate change and energy.
The evening will see the launch in Sanquhar Town Hall of Solstice Seminars – a programme of engaging talks and fascinating artefacts from OU professors Monica Grady CBE, Stephen Peake and Mahesh Anand.
It offers a rare opportunity to hear from leading specialists in space science, planetary science, climate change and energy. Doors open from 5.45pm.
Secondary school pupils will be exploring the Crawick Multiverse on Monday, when Professors Peake and Grady will also encourage them to Reach for the Stars in an afternoon assembly held at Sanquhar Academy.
Later in the day Prof Peake will also inspire local teachers with a professional learning session at A’ the Airts Community Arts Centre.
Celebrations will continue on Wednesday – the longest day – starting with a 4am sunrise ceremony, led by Open University professor of religious studies, Graham Harvey, and professional storyteller, Gordon MacLellan.
Professor Harvey said: “We will meld elements of Scottish, British, Scandinavian and diverse indigenous cultural traditions – with musical and poetic contributions – into ceremonies that honour the fact that all life on Earth flows from the generosity of Earth and sun. Something everyone can celebrate.
“I am eagerly anticipating celebrating both dawn and tilt at the Crawick Multiverse with many people joining us.”
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.
Primary schools will take part in drumming workshops led by musician Mat Clements and storytelling sessions, while associate lecturer, Suzi Collins will run a hands-on ethics-based workshop entitled, The Planet Problem: Only You can Save the Galaxy.
Professor Harvey will also deliver a short talk about the cultural and religious significance of solstice ceremonies, while colleague Dr Liudmila Nikanorova will share her experience of solstice celebrations including Yhyakh, where thousands of people gather to celebrate the event in the Sakha Republic (Russia).
Solstice day visitors will also be treated to a late afternoon tilt ceremony at 3.57pm in the amphitheatre to mark the moment when the sun is at its highest.
A Midsummer’s Day family picnic will bring the Summer Solstice Week celebrations to a close on Saturday, June 24, with more storytelling and crafts, a pop-up Baron Thyssen Centre Exhibition – a small photo exhibition of objects connected with ancient summer festivals – and local entertainers.
Tickets and more information are available online at: www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk.
