StreamWorks Broadcast Summer Solstice To 700,000
- Tom Sykes
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 28
StreamWorks Broadcast Summer Solstice To 700,000
For the 2025 Summer Solstice, English Heritage once again opened Stonehenge to the public for one of the UK’s most cherished and iconic celebrations. As part of their continued commitment to accessibility and inclusion, English Heritage partnered with StreamWorks (From solo16) to live stream the event to viewers around the world — covering both the sunset on the evening before and the sunrise on the morning of the solstice.
StreamWorks delivered a multi-camera live broadcast that combined advanced wireless technology, aerial footage, and carefully considered pre‑planning to capture the unique atmosphere of this spiritual gathering, all while respecting the sacred nature of the site.
Multi-Camera Coverage
The production employed five strategically positioned cameras to ensure comprehensive coverage of the event from multiple perspectives, capturing the atmosphere and key moments without disrupting the natural flow of the gathering.
A fundamental principle of the broadcast was to maintain a respectful and unobtrusive presence. As Tom Sykes, Director at StreamWorks, explained:
“It was essential that the focus remained on the solstice itself, not the production. Our setup was deliberately designed to be as discreet as possible — using minimal cabling, a compact crew, and remotely operated equipment — to ensure we respected both the sacred nature of the site and the experience of those attending in person.”
This philosophy influenced every aspect of the production, from the placement of cameras to the selection of lightweight, low-impact technology — ensuring that the broadcast captured the essence of the solstice without interfering with its spirit.
Live Drone Coverage
To enhance the broadcast with a striking aerial perspective, licensed drone pilot Marcus flew the DJI Mavic 4 during both sunset and sunrise. Operating near Stonehenge required detailed planning and coordination with Wiltshire Police and the MOD, due to restricted airspace.
Using the drone’s quiet operation and advanced sensors, StreamWorks captured smooth, cinematic footage while maintaining full compliance with safety regulations and preserving the site’s tranquil atmosphere.
The broadcasts were transmitted using industry leader LiveU's video encoders.
“In the past, we’ve always live streamed this event ourselves. But with viewing figures approaching half a million in 2025, we decided it was time to bring in a specialist team.
solo16 / StreamWorks, based in Wiltshire, stood out as the perfect partner. Their impressive portfolio and professional approach gave us confidence from the outset.
We’ve enjoyed working with them to share the experience of the summer solstice at Stonehenge with viewers from across the world. "
Lisa Crowther, Senior Social Media Manager, English Heritage.
You can watch the two films below. We also streamed on English Heritage's Facebook page.
The 2025 Summer Solstice at Stonehenge was not only a powerful cultural and spiritual occasion — it also demonstrated how modern broadcasting can seamlessly align with ancient tradition.
StreamWorks were proud to support English Heritage in delivering this event to a global audience, while maintaining the atmosphere and integrity of the site. Across both broadcasts, more than 700,000 viewers tuned in to experience the solstice online.
To discover how StreamWorks can deliver professional live streaming for your event — even in the most sensitive or remote locations — please contact us today.
