A great conical mound topped with standing stones and named after the Andromeda galaxy was today the site of a 4am Sunrise Ceremony to celebrate the dawning of the summer solstice.
The gathering, at Crawick Multiverse (in Upper Nithsdale on the Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway border) brought together the public, scientists, academics and storytellers at the 55-acre artland which is inspired by astronomy and the wonders of the cosmos.
Dozens of visitors attended including Crawick Multiverse Trust Patron Richard, Duke of Buccleuch.
The ceremony which included poetry from different cultures and eras was led by Open University Professor of Religious Studies, Graham Harvey, Dr Luidmila Nikanorova and professional storyteller, Gordon MacLellan.
Gordon said: “Our Solstice Sunrise Ceremony drew on midsummer traditions from around the northern hemisphere, bringing together ancient British poetry with Scandinavian stories and more.
“Spiritual without being religious, we wanted to encourage visitors to pause and reflect upon their relationship with the world around them and appreciate this morning, this sunrise, one of the turning points of the year.”
Gillian Khosla, Chair of The Crawick Multiverse Trust, added: “There’s a real sense of magic and wonder when the sun rises over Crawick Multiverse on the Summer Solstice – with its great mounds inspired by the Milky Way and Andromeda and its avenues of standing stones.”
It was the start of a day of family-friendly activities which culminated in a Tilt Ceremony from 3.15pm to 4.15pm – the moment when sun reaches its annual zenith and the year turned.
Activities included music by international harpist Wendy Stewart, drumming by children from Kelloholm and Sanquahar primary schools, science talks, guided tours, storytelling, yoga, dance and Tai Chi.
Crawick Multiverse has worked in partnership with The Open University (OU) in Scotland to co-host a week of solstice events from 18-24 June that blend art, science, mystery, music and entertainment.
Crawick Multiverse is becoming increasingly well known as one of the best places in Scotland to mark the summer solstice – having held a series of celebratory events in recent years.
The beautiful visitor attraction (designed by the late Charles Jencks) is rich with conical mounds representing colliding galaxies, avenues of standing stones and other impressive features inspired by the sun, stars, and cosmic wonders.
The week will conclude on Saturday with a Midsummer’s Day Family Picnic complete with more entertainment and a pop-up exhibition.
- Saturday’s Visitors will be able to explore the site and browse the Baron Thyssen Centre Exhibition – a small photo exhibition of objects connected with ancient summer festivals. Visitors can also participate in storytelling and crafts and enjoy an informal afternoon of midsummer entertainment from performers including the local community choir, Claudia Wood – Soprano, Colin Thomas Bryce – The Tartan Tenor, Young Burnsian of Scotland and Winners of the National Burns Competition as well as Sanquhar and District Silver Band.
- For tickets and information visit: www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk
-Ends-
Summer Solstice at the Multiverse highlights
Summer Solstice Day, Wednesday 21 June
- 4am Sunrise Ceremony on the Andromeda mound led by Professor Graham Harvey and Dr Luidmila Nikanorova from The Open University and supported by professional storyteller, Gordon MacLellan.
- Self-guided sensory tours and guided tours.
- Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong.
- Entertainment from local dance groups, musicians, choirs and talks about the history and traditions of solstice celebrations and gatherings.
- 3.15pm-4.30pm Tilt Ceremony: Led by Professor Graham Harvey, Dr Liudmila Nikanorova, Lecturer in Religious Studies, Open University, Professor Stephen Peake and Gordon MacLellan.
- Meet Kelton, the one tonne wicker Belted Galloway.
Saturday 24 June
- Midsummer’s Day Picnic at The Multiverse. Picnic boxes can be pre-ordered from local cafes, tearooms, hotels and bakers.
- Pop-up Exhibition: Baron Thyssen Centre Exhibition: Includes photographs and information about objects connected with ancient summer festivals.
- Children’s Storytelling Sessions: Led by Gordon MacLellan.
- Midsummer entertainment from local stars and performers.
Further information
- For further information about Crawick Multiverse visit https://www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk
- For further information about The Open University in Scotland visit https://www.open.ac.uk/scotland
- For media enquiries please contact:
Emma Porteous, Crawick Multiverse on 07772904485 or email: [email protected]
Louise Davison, The Open University in Scotland on 0131 549 7932 or email: [email protected]
Matthew Shelley, Scottish Festivals PR on 07786704299 or [email protected]
About Crawick Multiverse
- Crawick Multiverse is a spectacular land art installation created by the late Charles Jencks and inspired by his thinking about space, astronomy and cosmology. See https://www.charlesjencks.com.
- It was a major land restoration project, transforming 55 acres of former open cast mining into an inspirational landscape, unique destination and visitor attraction.
- Crawick is in the hills of Upper Nithsdale on the B740, Sanquhar, Dumfries & Galloway, DG4 6EG.
- Open: For the season from Easter, seven days a week
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 01659 50242
Crawick Fact File
Crawick Multiverse reflects the ecology and geology of the region where it stands. It has many spectacular features for visitors to enjoy.
- Around 2,000 boulders were used to create Crawick Multiverse
- The Sun Amphitheatre is at the heart of the Multiverse and can hold approximately 3,500 spectators
- The North-South line comprises approximately 300 boulders
- The site spans 55-acres
- The Northpoint provides a 20-mile 360 degree panoramic view
- Around 300 boulders were used to create the Multiverse landform.
The Crawick Multiverse Trust
The site is managed and run by The Crawick Multiverse Trust (CMT) which is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Trust’s objectives are:
- To contribute to the regeneration of the community in Dumfries and Galloway through the provision of a visitor attraction of national and international significance.
- To advance the arts through the commissioning of contemporary and site-specific art works for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.
- To encourage public understanding and appreciation of the role of landscape and environment as both material and site for art.
Through visiting, you are helping maintain the site to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy it. Thank you for your support.
About The Open University in Scotland
The Open University is a world-renowned institution dedicated to providing flexible, high-quality education and training opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds. With over 50 years of experience, the university has established itself as a leader in distance learning and is committed to providing accessible, affordable education to all.
Since it began in 1969, the OU has taught more than two million students worldwide and has over 205,000 current students, including more than 20,000 in Scotland.
The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales, and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).
The Crawick Multiverse Trust is a charity registered in Scotland SC039940 and a company limited by guarantee SC349562. Registered office 32-34 High Street, Sanquhar, Scotland, DG4 6BL.