Glen Innes locals and visitors are invited to gather this Sunday, 21 December, to mark the summer solstice at the Australian Standing Stones – an annual celebration of sunlight, shadows, and Celtic heritage.
Experience the year’s shortest shadow
As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, the stones will cast their shortest shadow of the year, and this solar moment is made visible by the monument’s carefully placed solar noon markers.
“At the stones the solar noon markers show the shadow position at solar noon throughout the year,” said John Rhys Jones, Treasurer of the Australian Standing Stones Management Board (ASSMB).
The main event kicks off at 12:30 pm, with a talk to explain the solstice and seasonal cycles, and how these are marked at the national monument to Australia’s Celtic heritage. The key moment, when the shadow perfectly aligns with the solstice marker, is just after 12:50 pm.
“People appreciate a lunchtime gathering as the Sun reaches its highest point in the day, as they can enjoy the amenities located in Centennial Parklands like the playground and Crofters Cottage cafe,” said Rhys Jones.
New additions
This year’s celebration also unveils a new sunrise direction plaque installed near the car park wall by a new shelter being constructed – the plaque was funded by ASSMB raffles.
“We’ll have a raffle on the day – and this shows the site improvements that fundraising helps us with,” said Rhys Jones.
Attendees can also take part in using the human sundial and join a free guided walking tour of the monument.
“I hope to instil a sense of appreciation of the monument as we walk around for 15 to 20 minutes, having a look at the different solar alignments and the special stones,” said Rhys Jones.
Can’t make it at noon? Try sunrise or sunset
If you’re unable to attend the main gathering, Rhys Jones encourages arriving for sunrise (5:30am) or sunset (7:30pm), and view the alignments with special marker stones for these moments.
“Watching sunrise over the Summer Solstice Sunrise Stone is stunning, but you have to be an early bird!,” he said.
“And at sunset, if people arrive from 7:30 pm, it’s a great way to start that evening. They’ll be able to see the alignment of the sun going behind the solstice avenue.”
A monument of Celtic tradition
The Australian Standing Stones host regular cultural events throughout the year, marking significant dates across all six Celtic nations. Celebrations include national days, the solstices, the two equinoxes, and the Celtic seasonal festivals Beltane and Samhain.
Looking ahead, the monument will mark its 34th anniversary in February 2026, and will host the vibrant Australian Celtic Festival – Year of Scotland 2026 at the start of May
Meanwhile, organisers are encouraging attendees to embrace both the festive spirit and the timeless rituals of the solstice.
“It’s the season to be jolly, so don a Santa hat along with your kilt,” said Rhys Jones.
Whether you’re drawn by ancient alignments or simply curious about Celtic culture, the Glen Innes solstice gathering offers a memorable way to connect with the rhythms of the natural world.
Event details
Summer Solstice at the Australian Standing Stones
Sunday 21st December
Centennial Parklands, Glen Innes
Solar noon gathering at 12:30 pm
Gather at the central trio of Stones
Shadow crosses solstice marker at 12:50 pm
Also on: arrive for Dawn 5:30 am and for Sunset 7:30 pm
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