THE summer Solstice event will not be going ahead tonight at Stonehenge as planned, following the Government's decision to delay Step 4 of the lockdown roadmap.

English Heritage has set up a free livestream however, so the sunset and sunrise can be watched from the comfort and safety of the home.

Before Covid-19, tens of thousands of people would flock to the English Heritage site every year for the morning of June 21, the longest day of the year, to witness the sun rising behind the Heel Stone, channelling rays of sunshine into the centre of the stone monument.

It was hoped the celebrations could go ahead as normal this year, if lockdown was fully lifted on June 21, but with the latest roadmap change the charity had no other option but to cancel the event.

Despite the cancellation announcement earlier this week, Wiltshire Police is preventing further access to part of the Ridgeway, near Avebury, in order to "maintain public safety and prevent potential damage to nearby farmland".

Read more: ‘Left with no choice’ - Solstice event cancelled second year in a row

Announcing the closure last night, June 19, this is in response to large numbers of people and vehicles in the area in the lead up to the Solstice.

A police spokesperson said: "Our officers are present and access is now closed, therefore we would advise people intending on travelling to the area not to do so.

"We encourage those wishing to celebrate Solstice to do so safely and where possible from home."

Only pre-booked groups from the pagan and druid community have been invited to gather on the days around the summer Solstice, to mark this important moment in their calendar.

The special livestream feature was launched last year so Stonehenge and Solstice lovers could enjoy the summer and winter experiences from across the world despite the pandemic.

The footage from last year’s events was watched by more than three million people.

Tonight's sunset is expected at around 9.25pm and the sunrise 4.50am.

The livestreams can be accessed through the English Heritage social media channels.

Watch the sunset show here and the sunrise here.

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