Health & Wellbeing - Summer Solstice at Crawick Multiverse

In June this year, The Crawick Multiverse Trust partnered with The Open University to bring visitors and locals an extra special celebration of the Summer Solstice.

The celebrations occurred at Crawick Multiverse in Upper Nithsdale, an incredible art installation where guests can explore and roam the ground’s unique architecture. The grounds of Crawick Multiverse offer something for everyone, whether it is a leisurely stroll around the installations or a sincere experience of the fusion between art and science.

This year was special for the Summer Solstice celebrations, as The Crawick Multiverse Trust collaborated with The Open University, creating a fun-filled week-long programme combining art and entertainment with the wonders of science.

The first two days of the celebration were filled with various engaging and interactive talks about the science and energy involved with the natural event. The first day concluded with a fantastic seminar led by meteorologist and former BBC weather presenter; Dr Heather Reid OBE.

The day of the solstice was full of ‘Celebrations, Learning and Wellbeing’ and began early at 4am, where visitors gathered to greet the emerging daybreak of the longest day of the year. The morning celebration of the solstice was led by the professional storyteller; Gordon MacLellan and OU colleagues in Religious Studies, Professor Graham Harvey and Luidmila Nikanorova.

Children from neighbouring primary schools participated in various inspiring events; A drumming workshop led by Mat Clements and an ethics workshop entitled: The Planet Problem: Only You Can Save The Galaxy led by OU lecturer; Suzi Collins.

A vast range of well-being workshops took place on the grounds of Crawick. Visitors were offered the relaxing and calming experience of participating in meditative practices, such as Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong. Accompanying the well-being sessions were local dance and music groups providing a day of fantastic entertainment.

At 3.57pm, the time at which the sun reached its highest point of the year, everyone came together at the Sun Amphitheatre for the Tilt ceremony. The ceremony was led by Gordon MacLellan, Professor Stephen Peake and Professor Graham Harvey and supported by Luidmila Nikanorova and Mat Clements. The ceremony was also accompanied by school pupils who used their newfound skills to present visitors with an amazing drumming performance.

The final day was a relaxing and pleasant conclusion to the celebrations, where visitors were invited to a communal picnic at the Multiverse, where they could also attend A pop-up photo exhibition showing objects from ancient summer festivals.

The entertainment didn’t stop there, as the evening brought an incredible line-up of performances from local performers, some of which being; Young Burnsian of Scotland, Winners of the National Burns Competition, Sanquhar Community Choir and Sanquhar and District Silver Band. The festival ended with a beautiful outdoor performance from Classical Singer Claudia Wood and Scottish Classical Crossover Tenor Colin Thomas Bryce.

The Summer Solstice celebrations may be over this year as we’re heading into the winter months, but The Crawick Multiverse is not done with providing big days of entertainment!

Music at the Multiverse is back this year on the 2nd & 3rd of September. The music festival, held at Crawick Multiverse, will be headlined by massive acts such as; pop-rock band Scouting for Girls, multi-award winning Celtic trad-rockers Skerryvore, and Scottish rock legends Big Country!

Visit Crawick Multiverse’s website for more information: https://www.crawickmultiverse.co.uk/