Summer Solstice Day Retreat: A Community Gathering - East Sussex

Join us for a day of connection, warmth and reflection as we honour the longest day of the year together.

At the height of summer, when the light stretches long and everything is in bloom, we gather.

Shaped by the spirit of the solstice, a time of fullness, growth and gratitude, this community gathering offers space to slow down and take stock. To notice what’s flourishing, to give thanks for what’s present, and to gently acknowledge the subtle shift as the year begins to turn.

Held on beautiful land in East Sussex, we’ll move through a simple, intentional flow of shared experiences across the day, with a balance of structure and spaciousness.

The Summer Solstice is a natural pause point, a moment to step out of the rush and remember what it is to be in relationship with the land, with each other, and with ourselves.

This is a gentle, grounded, and intentional, community-held day to mark that turning.

About the Summer Solstice

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its highest and everything feels full, alive, and in bloom.

For thousands of years, people on these lands have marked this point in the cycle. Ancient sites like Stonehenge were carefully aligned with the sunrise on the solstice, suggesting it really mattered, a way of tracking time, season, and our place within it.

Later, midsummer traditions carried on in simpler ways, gathering outdoors, lighting fires, sharing food, staying up late into the light. Not formal ceremonies, just ways of marking the season together.

It’s a natural threshold, a moment of fullness, before things begin, almost imperceptibly, to turn back the other way.

At its core, this time of year has long been about noticing what’s here. Giving thanks for the light, the land, and what’s growing. Taking a moment to recognise what’s working, what’s flourishing, both around us and within us.

What to expect

09:45 - Arrive

10:00am | Welcome, Solstice Opening

Arrive into our private grass quarry, surrounded by trees, wildflowers and open fields. You’ll be welcomed with homemade herbal teas and infused drinks as we all settle into the space together.

Gathering in a circle, we’ll open the day with introductions, reflections on the summer solstice, and arrive fully into ourselves, the land, and the community around us.

10:45am | Guided Woodland Walk & Nature Connection

We’ll wander slowly through the woodland, taking time to notice the abundance of midsummer.

Along the way we’ll gather seasonal plants, herbs and natural materials for tea, art-making and our closing ritual later in the day. Expect gentle invitations for reflection, connection and moments of peace amongst the trees.

11:30am | Botanical Art Making Under the Wooden Canopy

You’ll be invited into a relaxed and playful creative session using watercolours, natural materials, paper, pens and handmade botanical elements.

Inspired by the warmth and symbolism of midsummer, we’ll create small personal pieces to take home, something expressive, meaningful or joyful. No artistic experience needed.

Home made sweet treats, herbal teas and infused waters will be shared throughout.

12:45 pm | Midsummer Sound Journey & Deep Rest

As the sun reaches its height, we’ll settle beneath the cherry tree for a restorative sound journey inspired by Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing.

Surrounded by birdsong, breeze and the canopy above us, you’ll be guided into stillness through crystal singing bowls and gentle sound.This will be a chance to deeply soften, rest and receive.

1:45pm | Seasonal Solstice Lunch

A beautiful seasonal vegan, homemade organic lunch will be served and shared together in community. 

Gathering around the table, we will enjoy conversation and connection and nourishment together. You are also free to wander the land, journal or relax in the hobbit house or sit in the sunshine.

2:30pm | Closing Solstice Ritual & Closing Gathering

We’ll gather once more for a simple midsummer ritual to honour the turning of the season, we will offer gratitude for the light, the land, and whatever is blooming in our lives.

Expect a simple shared ritual inspired by nature and the spirit of midsummer. A gentle closing to the day before we part ways. 

3:15pm - 4.15pm | Optional Wood-Fired Sauna - Limited Spaces

4:30pm | Farewell to the Land

Key Information

Time
Please arrive at 9:45am to settle in
The day runs from 10:00am – 3:00pm
Optional sauna session: 3:15pm – 4:15pm

What to bring
 

Extra snacks to share (around the fire or in the hobbit hut)
Yoga mat and blankets/cushions (for the sound bath and sitting around the fire)
Comfortable clothes and shoes
Swimwear and a towel (if using the sauna)
Water bottle and a cup
Sun cream
Anything else you need to feel comfortable outdoors

Access
The  main quarry terrain is uneven, step-free and wheel chair accessible. 
The space is approximately a 7-minute walk from the car park.

Toilets
There is a compost toilet within the same field and two more a few minutes walk. All are wheelchair accessible. 

Location 

The Quarry, Little Gate Farm, Horseshoe Ln, Rye, UK

Closest Train Station is Rye

Your Facilitators 

Freesia & David

Held by two facilitators who share a love of nature, community and creating spaces that feel grounded, welcoming and real.

We’ve come together to offer a space to slow down, connect, and mark the solstice. Holding this together felt important, bringing a balance of perspectives, energies and ways of being

Freesia
Freesia brings a background in community arts, youth work and festival production, with a focus on creating inclusive, thoughtful spaces that bring people together in imaginative and authentic ways.

She curates gatherings in Hastings with The Psychedelic Society and leads SisterWood, a nature-based programme for girls. Her work explores connection through nature, creativity and embodied practices, with a particular interest in how spaces can support reflection, belonging and shared experience.

Dave
Dave is a facilitator, entrepreneur and father of three with a deep love of nature, community and meaningful conversation. Alongside a professional background leading teams, projects and workshops, he has spent many years supporting people one-to-one through career and business transitions.

He is passionate about the outdoors and the role of movement and nature in reflection and personal growth, and has organised group walks across the UK and Europe. His approach is grounded, open and people-centred, with a focus on creating spaces where others feel at ease.

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website. 

Our facilitators have agreed to our code of conduct. Learn about our procedure for raising concerns

MEMBERS of the Psychedelic Society get a discount off almost all of our events.
Join from £5 a month and become part of this amazing community with invites to special events and more.