You're definitely seeing all we have to offer 😂. Enjoy your evening ❤

People have been congregating there for thousands of years. Mac , what a thing to do. Good on you. X

You are now officially a druid Mac and of course a legend I think I can guess the smells your talking about 😂😂😂

It's so awesome that you did this! I hope your wife and all your kiddos are doing well! ❤

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

They are! Thank you

Great film! I was taken to stonehenge as a kid and they weren't fenced off then. I was pleased that Obama chose to visit stonehenge on a trip to the UK. Probably better to go this year because of the weather. Take your family to Avebury on any day. It's a big, impressive site and not fenced off. Lovely for a picnic.

@georgeprout42

Жыл бұрын

And has a pub inside the circle. Which makes it far better than the more touristy Stonehenge!

@MrSinclairn

Жыл бұрын

@@georgeprout42 Couldn't agree more !👌👍

I didn't realize that you could go right up to the stones for this summer solstice celebration! Of course that's the way it used to be decades ago when I first saw them. I'm normally not a big fan of visiting Stonehenge these days, but definitely going for the solstice would be special and memorable! Great job filming this video! Sorry that you got stuck in terrible traffic. That's always my worry! You really have gone to some well known yet crowded events lately😮

You truly are amazing, mak, you literally bring the UK to life in your Vlogs. I think you should apply for a job at national geographic. If it still exist, you? would be a great presenter on something like blue planet

Love watching your video`s and you do so much you really get to see it all and you have a great family all the best to you.

I tend to go to smaller less visited Neolithic and Mesolithic sites as there are fewer people. I live about 5miles away from a Mesolithic menhir and there are quite a few Neolithic cromlechs in Pembrokeshire

A lot of interesting smells :) I bet there was! BO and Weed!

I could almost smell the wacky backy from here … looked like a fun night though 🌅

You old hippy you! ♥

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

😎✌🏾✌🏾

I never realised you were so "New Age" ! And stone circles are magical places. You'll fall under their spell. 😉

Excellent reporting Mac, you really captured the atmosphere.

Estar em Stonehenge para as comemorações do Solstício de Verão 2023 foi uma das coisas mais incríveis que fiz na vida! Superou em muito minhas expectativas. Várias pessoas de todas as idades e países em um dia de paz e boas energias. Celebrando a importância da natureza em nossas vidas nesse lugar místico! Essa com a bandeira do Brasil no momento 8.15 do vídeo sou eu, realizando um grande sonho! ❤️ 🇧🇷 Obrigada pelo vídeo!

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

🙂

I go to Stonehenge at the Equinox; awe inspiring every time. I go the night before and park in a lane across the field. You can walk among the stones four times a year, Solstices and Equinoxes. I remember when you could go any time, and used to picnic there with the children - always respectful of where we are. It’s extra busy this year, not only because of the weather, but it’s the day before Glastonbury opens, where many will be headed.

Mac, you’ve seen and done more here in the last 3 years than I have in my whole life living in the UK. Quit showing me up!!

@liamcorrigan3158

Жыл бұрын

P.S you must have banked some serious brownie points to get this signed off with two new babies at home! 🤣

Deep respect to you. Do love watching your love for life.

Get in !!!!! Mac you’re going to see more and know more about this septet isle than most of us born here 😎😎😎

@ginger3269

Жыл бұрын

sceptred

@MagentaOtterTravels

Жыл бұрын

I know, right? He's remarkable!

You big Hippy, I hope you had a great time.

What is close by is Glastonbury, it was a real weird town when I last visited back in the early 90’s. Great that you appreciate all aspects of British life, Somerset is known the Morris dancers and Cheddar Caves. Love your video!

Glad you got there. Looked a memorable experience for sure though

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

Definitely!

Use to play on the stones as a child when our family had picnics there and before it became a tourist attraction.

Peace and love

WOW!!! I have had friend go over the years but never managed to myself... This has SOLD me! What a cool experience!

You go to places people know about but never ever been and you show everything you are truly remarkable. 😊❤🇬🇧👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥇🏆

I used to live close to Stonehenge. Thankfully the solstice is an annual event. Couple it with Glastonbury and the traffic was horrendous. Old VW campers etc breaking down and as you experienced it a single carriageway. Glad you enjoyed it. I guess one of the smells was weed. No aggression just calm. Too much alcohol = potential trouble. A spliff calms and does wonders for the food trucks! When you get the munchies.

Well done for immersing yourself into the culture, most people don't.

Great fabulous video. Cool, fun, and fascinating! Thank you xx

This event has grown and grown. A few years ago it was just a few "druids" and hippies. now it's like a second Glastonbury! I drive that road past Stonehenge regularly and there is always slow traffic - though not quite like at the Solstice. I reckon that when Neanderthal man went past on the A303 with his ox, there was a queue!

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

LoL

@helendancelot

4 ай бұрын

In 1985 there were 30 000 at the free festival

@partydread

Ай бұрын

@@helendancelot 1984 there was, many more than that in fact, Thatcher smashed the travellers before the festival in 85 (which then did not happen)

This was amazing to see through your eyes! I wish you and your family all the blessings. Thanks for this content - I really loved this one.

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

👍🏾

So happy you got to experience this Mac.🖖

Spectacular video; what an amazing experience. I hope you had a wonderful time. Love from Melbourne Australia

Great video. Glad You enjoyed the experience. Love to your family.

YOU WENT TO Stonehenge! I AM SOOOO JEALOUS. awesomeness Happy Solstice Blessings to you and yours. Thank you 😊 💓

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

🙂

Mac how do you get out to all these events. You must be out and about all the time. I salute you sir.

You now need to go to the winter Solstice the atmosphere is different as we welcome the NEW sun for another year.

Thanks for taking us with you to the great Stonehenge event Mac, I had no idea it was such an occasion. You weren't alone either, you had 7K followers hanging on to your shirt tail!

Now I realise how lucky we were - we arrived there at 5 pm and didn't have 1 single minute of traffic - great!

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

Great timing on your part...👍🏾

Awesome work, brother 🇬🇧

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

Much appreciated

I watched it on Facebook, but your vlog was much better, up close and personal

Good vid this, good.

Another great video thank you for your sacrifice of staying up all night I throughly enjoyed this video!

Was magical.

I didn't know it was that popular.

Perhaps they can call on the Ancient God's to get Rid of this Government.

i used to go to the hedge festival many years ago before it was banned for obvious reasons, iv also been to the solstice since, and your best bet is to park in the over flow car park a couple miles away and walk the last miles, much more quicker and fun than sitting in traffic, you walk with many people like a small pilgrimage, you cant beat laughing talking with strangers.. great fun.

Wow that looks amazing 😮

I enjoyed your video it is good to see people enjoying the experience.. There was a free festival at Stonehenge from 1974 until 1984 which gained access for the people. However in 1985 the government stopped the event by force. For 15 years people were excluded from the stones. People campaigned in many ways for the access. There were pilgrimage walks from many parts of the country. People continued to turn up for the solstices. Legal challenges were made. 1 million pounds a year were spent to stop people having access. Eventually Access was granted in 2000 . So although there is no festival im glad that people do het to have a good time

Thank you for sharing it's very helpful 🙏

@MacandBlair

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure 😊

Glad you experienced the Solse Desk.

So interesting! Thanks, Mac.

Thank you for such an entertaining and informative video. Such a great experience.

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I enjoyed sitting in the Life Guard's chair watching the sun rise at Lake Peekskill, NY. LOL

Great video - thanks

What a great experience. Id love to do that👍👍

I have always wanted to do this! looks awesome!

What an experience thanks for sharing 😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

Great stuff I loved this

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

So glad you got to enjoy it. We druids have the best festivals.

I love going on 'adventures' with you ... I thought you gave a very honest assessment of the occasion. I have been once ... and it was wonderful ... unique ... magical ... and a bit of a trial ... its a long night ... very special though a 'must do'. Its so amazing to be able to actually touch those huge stones (worth all the efforts just for that) ... and that ever present 'sweet' smell on the air !!!!!!!!!

Never been but looks great fun

I`m envious Mac, thats something I`ve always wanted to experience. Great video.

Absolutely wonderful I did this back in the 1980s and you have convinced me to do it again next year, the gods willing. Absolutely wonderful stuff.

I am at 8:15 with my Brazil flag😊

@gdfggggg

Жыл бұрын

Love it 🇬🇧

I remember being taken there as a kid when the stones werent restricted. I remember being horrified at the amount of damage to them people carving initials etc over centuries and climbing all over them. So fast forward this is the only time you can touch them. If you go back again why not park a few miles away and cycle down to it. Going to need that cycle rack attachment to the people mobile.

I was there that morning, 4 weeks ago, loved to have said hello if I’d known you were there. I also filmed the sunrise as I work for ITN. I could send you some of the footage I filmed on my I phone if you wanted. Let me know.

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

That would be great. 👍🏾

@jackkruese4258

Жыл бұрын

@@MacandBlair Sent a few shots of the solstice, let me know if they don’t arrive mate.

Amazing its something tht should be everyones bucket list esp brits it looks amazing as you lucky person

Hay Mac thanks for being you man this was an interesting video I only live a stone's throw from there

This is a beautiful video. I am going for the first time this week and I cannot wait!

@itzajdmting

Ай бұрын

I was planning to go, but the traffic queues has put me off.... Hotel already booked and everything

That looks awesome and something I would love to experience. Great video

Great footage, it was our first solstice, loved it, we will be going back for the spring equinox 2024 ❤

Awesome! Many thanks :)

@MacandBlair

2 ай бұрын

👍🏾

It's been ages since I've been to the solstice at stonehenge so it was really interesting to see your take! I think you'd also really enjoy th Jack in the Green / Mayday festival in Hastings as well- it's a pagan festival to welcome in the start of summer!

I need to do this. As someone who has lived in England all his life and got married on the Summer Solstice, I should really do it.

Hey , I've just come across your video clip . I went for the 1st time this year , and found out through local knowledge, if you park on Willoughby Rd, you can park for free and walk for 1/2 a mile to the site

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the insight... that can save time for next year.

Thanks for doing this so I dont have to :)

I did this the year before lockdown, went on a motorbike, the traffic jam looked terrible 😐 . Great experience 👍 thanks for the film.

Great job brotha. I’ll be making this my first stop. I am coming to heal my ancestral lands. Thank you for showing me a taste of what to expect

Stonehenge - just a bunch of rocks

Good to see the Druids are still driving cars

Another one to tick off the bucket list. 👍 .... and definitely obvious a lot of the participants were high on something. 😂

Living only a few miles away we used to go as youngsters every year. It wasn’t coffee and donuts keeping us awake back then though 😂

I think this one time you could have benefited from a local travel buddy. They may well have suggested that you park in a nearby village and walk/cycle to the site. As with a lot of these large events with 'organized parking' it is just as much of an ordeal getting OUT of the car park as getting in. Am envious though as it looked an experience

@MacandBlair

Жыл бұрын

That really would have helped...

good effort Mac you showed the patience of a man with many children, though you were "are we nearly there" a little yourself. as they say nothing worthwhile comes without effort, and you looked like you had fun.

Great video, thanks for filming and providing the commentary. Things are much better since they closed the old A344 road which ran just nearby. I last went in 2016 and parked at Durrington and walked, much easier and free.

So lucky to get so close to the stones, for decades they were fenced off….back in the 80’s during the solstice the “New Age Travellers” alias Hippies, would flock there….my husband was stationed close by and when the soldiers went for a swim in the camp pool it was full of soap suds, because the Hippies did their washing in it.

@HY...

Жыл бұрын

At least they washed 😂

@V.C.S69

Жыл бұрын

@@HY... ….Only their clothes! Surprised they used washing powder.😆

@HY...

Жыл бұрын

@@V.C.S69 oh right ! At least they tried 😁🥰

@V.C.S69

Жыл бұрын

@@HY... it cost a lot of money to empty, clean and refill the pool, rather a reckless, selfish act on their behalf in my opinion.

@HY...

Жыл бұрын

@@V.C.S69 agree !

My husband and I went to see them in 1996, not for the solstice and its definitely something I’m glad we did. It really is a magical place to visit. Have you been to the Avebury stone circle.

You can also get to the stones winter solstice and spring and autumn equinox

Stone (and wood) circles are embedded deep in our culture and collective memory, I find it almost sad that Stonehenge has become so commercial, there are many stone circles that are sun calenders where you can experience the non-commercial side, Seven Sisters in Derbyshire, which I think is maybe closer to where you live, is an amazing example. Maybe a site where only 100 to 200 people are would be a more appropriate place to take your kids with you. Over 30 years ago, I once sat on the edge of a stone circle, high up in the Peak District and watched the sun come up with maybe 20 people, I'm not a normally spiritual person, but it was a special moment and something to behold. Humans seem to have a deep connection to the changing seasons, even now.

I don't know if I would have the stamina for that traffic. Thanks for doing it so I don't have to 😂

Note you can access the Stones on Winter Solstice, 22nd December, the shortest day of the year, when sunrise is at 8.04 am, as well as for Summer Solstice.

I was there back in the early 80's when it was fully open and a free festival sat on the stones for sunrise more than once. Hawkwind would always turn up. One year a coach load of Japanese tourists turnd up to photograph the druids but it was a druid leap year so they turned up the next morning so they cought us out too. We didn't care because we had a good schmoke and they didn't.

Sacrifice. . . Stonehenge

tbh i think the winter solstice is more important, it marks the beginning of longer days, spring and warmer weather is coming.

Stonehenge is my Codeine Castle

Cool video ❤

@MacandBlair

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 😁

@sharkinadark

2 ай бұрын

I am going in a few weeks 😀

There are other stone sites other than stonehenge ,if you prefer silence and no circus performance ,I prefer the quiet places ,sun rise does not just happen in one ancient place !

SEAT BELT !!!

Many of the older stone circles in the UK are for celebrating the shortest day and taking in the start of a new year. Stonehenge is very commercial these days and with it being one of the youngest standing stone circles in the UK. Its builders probably knew as much about the original standing stone circles as we know about Stonehenge