Solstice at Wasing
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20 June 2026
The Solstice at Wasing festival invites you to join a global celebration of the summer solstice. Set for Saturday 20 June 2026 in the heart of Wasing Estate’s ancient woodlands (near Reading in Berkshire), this one-day event connects people to honor the sun and the life it gives. Imagine gathering with dozens of like-minded souls in a magical forest, celebrating the longest day of the year with music, ceremony, and community. It's a time to embrace light, nature, and the simple joy of being together in the woods. Everyone is welcome - families, friends, and solo adventurers alike - to share in this beautiful, uplifting experience that blends global music and tradition with the charm of the British countryside.
Solstice at Wasing unfolds in an enchanting natural setting. Towering oak and beech trees form hidden groves and sun-dappled clearings, making the woodland feel both vast and intimate. In the center of it all lies the Sacred Glade, a special gathering spot where rituals and outdoor performances take place. The air is filled with birdsong and laughter, sunlight filters through leaves, and every path seems to lead to a new discovery. It truly feels like stepping into another world - one where nature’s beauty and festival spirit combine to create something magical.
Music and performance are at the heart of the festival. The lineup draws from cultures all over the world, bringing together rhythmic drum circles, hypnotic folk tunes, and ambient electronic sets. Perhaps you’ll catch a sitar in the dawn light or join an African drum circle at midday. Each act is chosen to celebrate the sun’s joyful energy, and with multiple stages hidden among the trees, there is always a new musical surprise just around the corner.
One of the festival’s most moving moments is the guided Sunrise Ceremony. In the pre-dawn quiet, a lantern-lit procession makes its way to a hilltop clearing. With the first pink light in the sky, everyone gathers quietly to greet the rising sun together. Chants and hand-drumming mark the dawn as the sun ascends, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings. Feeling the cool morning air and the warmth of the first rays on your skin is a profoundly grounding experience for anyone who joins this ritual – a gentle reminder of our connection to the cycles of nature.
During the day, there’s plenty to explore. Wander through a craft market under the trees where artisans sell unique handmade goods. Join a yoga or tai chi class in a clearing, or gather for a storytelling circle. Children can play nature games or try eco-art projects while parents relax in hammocks nearby. The vibe is friendly and communal – you might find yourself skipping along in a drum circle or learning folk dance steps with new friends. It really feels like one big family picnic in the woods, with something fun around every corner.
Sustainable living and good food go hand in hand at Solstice at Wasing. Around the venue, vendors serve up delicious, locally sourced meals—think wood-fired pizzas, spicy vegetarian curries, fresh salads, and sweet treats. Herbal teas, cold-pressed juices, local beers, and artisanal coffees keep everyone refreshed throughout the day. Refillable water stations ensure you stay hydrated in the summer heat. The eating areas become social hubs, where festival-goers share tables and stories over plates of tasty food. Everything is prepared with care and respect for the environment, so you can indulge knowing you’re doing good by the planet as you feast.
What really sets Solstice at Wasing apart is the sense of community. This isn’t a huge crowded event - it’s an intimate gathering where smiles come easily and conversations spark naturally. As night falls, people light small fire pits and lanterns, creating cozy spots to sit and chat with friends old and new. The boundary between performers and audience dissolves, with attendees of all ages dancing together under the stars or singing in circle. Many say the night feels like a woodland tale come to life - magical, warm, and unforgettable. By the end of the day, you’ll likely leave with new friends and a heart full of memories. Solstice at Wasing 2026 promises to be a celebration of summer, spirit, and nature’s cycle. Whether you come barefoot or in boots, with friends or on your own, you’re sure to dance, laugh, and connect. We can’t wait to welcome you on 20 June 2026 for an unforgettable celebration under the trees.
Solstice at Wasing takes place in rural Berkshire, a short drive from Reading. Plan your travel early, as the festival site is a bit off the usual routes and may not have frequent public transport directly to it. In general, the easiest approach is by car: the venue is accessible via the M4 motorway (exit Junction 12) and follows local country roads. Expect extra travel time on festival day due to event traffic, so arrive early if driving. There is parking available, but car-sharing or arriving in a group can make the journey smoother. If you prefer not to drive, taxis from nearby towns are widely available, though you may need to book them in advance as demand will be high.
If you’re traveling by train, the nearest station to Wasing is Aldermaston (about 3 miles from the estate). However, only a few trains stop at Aldermaston each day, so most visitors find it easier to take a train to Reading Station and complete the last part of the journey by taxi or local bus. From Reading, a taxi or rideshare to Wasing takes about 25 minutes. You might also use Newbury station (about 10 miles away) and pick up a hire car or taxi there. Always check train schedules in advance, especially if traveling early in the morning or late at night, as services can be limited.
For those flying in, London Heathrow Airport is the closest major international hub (roughly 50 km east of Wasing). From Heathrow you can rent a car or take a train into Reading, as there are frequent services from Paddington station. Other London airports (Gatwick, Luton, Stansted) are much further away but still reachable by connecting train or coach to Reading. Southampton Airport (about 90 minutes away by road) is another possibility. In any case, you will ultimately transfer via train or taxi to reach the festival site.
Because the festival celebrates its woodland setting, on-site camping is often offered or encouraged (check event info for details). If you plan to camp, bring your own tent and gear and consider arriving early when the campsite opens. If camping isn’t for you, the nearest accommodations are in nearby towns. Reading and Newbury each have a range of hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs about 20–30 minutes away by car. There are also quaint country inns and B&Bs in villages like Aldermaston, Beenham, or Enborne. Book your lodging in advance, as summer weekends tend to fill up quickly. In all cases, remember that rural roads can be slow at night, so plan how you’ll get back after the festival.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Kite House | 1.1 ml | £75.00 | Book | |
| Roselawn Hotel | 1.7 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| De Vere Venues Wokefield Park Hotel | 2.2 ml | £89.00 | Book | |
| Little Park Farm | 2.7 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| Comfort Hotel Reading West | 2.8 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| Travelodge Reading M4 Eastbound | 2.9 ml | £39.00 | Book | |
| The Iron Duke | 3.5 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| Reading Lake Hotel - Formerly the Copthorne Reading | 3.6 ml | £59.00 | Book | |
| BEST WESTERN Calcot Hotel | 3.7 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Pincents Manor | 3.7 ml | £64.50 | Book | |
| Mill House Hotel | 4.5 ml | £80.00 | Book | |
| The Wellington Arms Hotel | 4.9 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| Parkside International Hotel | 5.0 ml | £53.00 | Book | |
| The Lawn Hotel | 5.0 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| Beech House Hotel | 5.1 ml | £70.00 | Book |
Wasing Estate, Nr Reading, RG74LY
