Family Solstice Fun
21 Jun, 2025
Free with admission
As well as our exclusive evening sundowner session (recommended for audiences 14+), families are welcome to join us during the day for a lively programme of fun for all ages!
10.00 – 16.00. Free with general admission, book for 21 June here.
With interactive workshops and hands-on activities, come and explore the wonders of light, space, and the natural world. Includes:
- An out of this world, Sun-themed Science Show
- Carnival beats, revelry, and mind-blowing puppetry from Global Grooves
- Solar observing and marking the Meridian Line Moment (weather dependent)
Join us and embrace the sights and sounds of summer, with music, live demonstrations, and fun for the whole family to bring the longest day of the year to life. ☀️
image How do you know when the party’s started? When Global Grooves Bloco and Brass have arrived, that’s when! A Carnival Bloco is typically a group of revellers, raising the energy and getting everyone moving and shaking. The Global Grooves Bloco comprises of drummers, brass and horn musicians who can’t wait to bring big Carnival beats to Jodrell Bank!
image One of the spectacular puppets from Global Grooves!
image A Meridian Line is an imaginary line of longitude along the Earth. In astronomy, this is extended onto the sky and makes a great circle, connecting what we call the celestial North and South poles. As the Earth turns and the Sun moves across the sky, it crosses the Meridian Line at the highest point in its arc at astronomical noon. Join us on the Summer Solstice in the Meridian Hall, First Light Pavilion, to witness the ray of light that marks local astronomical noon at 13.11 and learn more about the unique architecture of the building! (Image credit: Beccy Lane.)
Ready for more?
For audiences 14+, our evening Solstice event turns up the celebrations with live music, talks, and more!
The Longest Light
Soak up the sunshine this Summer Solstice with our exclusive evening event celebrating our closest star, the Sun!
The Longest Light turns up the celebrations with live music and dance, hands-on craft and drumming workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, helping you round out the longest day of the year in style…