Locals and visitors gathered at Crawick Multiverse in Upper Nithsdale as part of a week-long Summer Solstice programme from the 18th to 24th June 2023. The programme, co-hosted by The Crawick Multiverse Trust and The Open University in Scotland, saw hundreds of visitors, locals, school groups and community organisations visiting Crawick Multiverse for the solstice celebrations.
SUNDAY 18TH – INTERACTIVE TALKS, INFORMATIVE TOURS AND SOLSTICE SEMINAR
The programme started on Sunday 18th June with a family-friendly day of interactive talks about space science and energy; and informative tours led by local tour guide Kathleen Cronie at Crawick Multiverse. This was followed by an inspiring evening seminar hosted by meteorologist and former BBC weather presenter; Dr Heather Reid OBE in Sanquhar Town Hall and with guest speakers, Open University Professors; Stephen Peake, Mahesh Anand and Monica Grady OBE.
MONDAY 19TH – FULL OF ENERGY AND EXPLORATION
On Monday, around 100 pupils from Sanquhar Academy spent the morning exploring Crawick Multiverse with Visitor Services Assistants Dane and Erin, before hearing about tales of Upper Nithsdale from Kathleen Cronie and learning about sensory mapping from Dr Lindsay Crisp from The Open University. In the afternoon, pupils returned to school for a lively lecture from Professor Stephen Peake on energy and climate change and an inspiring insight into potential careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) from Justin Thomas, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Dumfries and Galloway.
WEDNESDAY 21ST – A DAY OF SOLSTICE CELEBRATIONS, LEARNING AND WELLBEING
It was an early start on Solstice Day for visitors, including Crawick Multiverse Patron, The Duke of Buccleuch, who joined us at 4am to welcome the new dawn on the longest day of the year. Visitors travelled from near and far to watch the sunrise and to take part in the early morning ceremony led by professional storyteller; Gordon MacLellan and OU colleagues in Religious Studies; Professor Graham Harvey and Luidmila Nikanorova.
It was a busy day in local primary schools too, with pupils from both Kelloholm and Sanquhar Primary Schools taking part in 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. The pupils then made their way to Crawick Multiverse for a picnic lunch and a talk from Kathleen Cronie about Crawick Multiverse.
Back on site, visitors spent the morning participating in wellbeing sessions including yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong. Local dance group Motiv8, The Cairn Chorus and internationally renowned harpist, Wendy Stewart provided on site entertainment.
School groups and members of the public participated in talks, storytelling and tours after lunch; including a talk from OU colleagues about the significance of solstice day celebrations throughout the world and an insight into Yhyakh, one of the largest solstice celebrations in the world.
Everyone came together late afternoon for a Tilt Ceremony, which took place in the Sun Amphitheatre to mark the moment (3.57pm) when the sun reaches its highest point in the year. Pupils from the local schools put their drumming skills to the test during the afternoon ceremony, which was led by Gordon MacLellan, Professor Stephen Peake and Professor Graham Harvey and supported by Luidmila Nikanorova and Mat Clements.
SATURDAY 24TH – STORIES, EXHIBITS, PICNICS AND PERFORMANCES
By Saturday visitors enjoyed a more leisurely day and a picnic lunch at the Multiverse. A pop-up photo exhibition showing objects from ancient summer festivals was on display throughout the day and visitors were treated to an informal afternoon of entertainment from local performers including the Young Burnsian of Scotland, Winners of the National Burns Competition, Sanquhar Community Choir and Sanquhar and District Silver Band. The week ended on a high with a stunning outdoor performance from Claudia Wood – Soprano and Colin Thomas Bryce – The Tartan Tenor.
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