MORE than 200 people from around the Vale gathered at sunrise on Sunday (June 21) to take part in a special summer solstice walk from The Valley retail park to New Farm Nature Reserve.
While Stonehenge welcomed crowds of druids and spectacle to witness, Evesham offered a more down-to-earth and distinctly Worcestershire celebration.
Families, friends and nature lovers of all ages made the early morning journey as the sun rose over the Vale, enjoying a peaceful and community-focused alternative.
The event which marked the official start of astronomical summer centred on fresh air, birdsong and bringing people together in nature.
Phil Maclean, retail director at The Valley, said “Not everyone wants the crowds and theatrics of Stonehenge.
“This was our Worcestershire version of the solstice. Simple, welcoming and rooted in nature.
“To see over 200 people, from children to grandparents, coming together at sunrise was genuinely special. It shows just how much people value these shared moments in our local countryside.”
The word solstice comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), referring to the apparent pause in the Sun’s movement across the sky.
The event also showcased the New Farm Nature Reserve, an 80-acre green space created by Worcestershire County Council and designed to support wildlife and offer residents a place to connect with nature.
