I’m drawn to places where nature and spirituality intertwine. My childhood was spent playing in an ancient Iron Age ringfort, surrounded by trees, a place rumored to be inhabited by fairies. As a teenager, I found solace in the sea of daffodils that bloomed in its center during spring. I’ve always been fascinated by the energy and power that certain places hold, even if it’s just a moment of meditation in a tranquil setting.
That’s why I was intrigued by Solstice on the Mount, a sober summer solstice festival held on a 4,000-acre estate in Berkshire. It was a departure from my usual solstice celebrations, which often involved dancing around bonfires in various states of undress, or hitchhiking to Uisneach, the ‘sacred center of Ireland,’ to welcome summer. The setting at Wasing, owned by the cousin of former Prime Minister David Cameron, seemed a bit too polished and upscale for my taste, but the chance to see indie musician Nick Mulvey perform for the first time in 11 years convinced me to give it a try.
Arriving hours before the festival started, I checked into my accommodation, a cozy blacksmith’s cottage with a sprawling bed and a luxurious bathroom. The estate itself was a breathtaking expanse of diverse trees and rolling hills, and I spent some time exploring the grounds, wandering down a dirt track to a lake. There, I witnessed dragonflies dancing above the water and stick-like fish meandering below. I also braved an ice-cold dip in a metal basin, a surreal and invigorating experience.
The festival itself was held in a sacred glen, the stage positioned at the foot of the eponymous Mount. The atmosphere was both serene and electric, a perfect balance of nature, music, and spiritual energy. Rodrigo y Gabriela’s guitar riffs echoed through the glen as the sun began to set, and Nick Mulvey’s performance had the crowd swaying and dancing.
Beyond the stage, I wandered through the woods, exploring hidden trails and enjoying the lush greenery. I stumbled upon a clearing filled with towering purple foxgloves, and another where the audience gathered around a fire after the performances ended. The festival organizers had thought of everything, from fire guardians to ensure safety to the enchanting melodies of Ajeet and her band, whose Irish folk songs had me humming along.
As midnight approached, the energy shifted to a field where AWARË’s multi-instrumental trance music guided some attendees to dawn, welcoming the rising sun. I, however, was too exhausted from the day’s activities to stay up that late. Despite my initial apprehension about the festival’s sober nature, I found myself fully immersed in the experience.
The absence of alcohol allowed me to fully appreciate the music, the beauty of the surroundings, and the connections I made with other attendees. Time seemed to stand still, and I felt a profound sense of peace and well-being.
Solstice on the Mount was a unique and unforgettable experience. It was a reminder that spirituality and connection can be found in unexpected places, even in the midst of a manicured country estate. It’s a testament to the power of nature, music, and the human spirit to create moments of magic and meaning.
