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Avebury Papers – Solstice Activity Day FREE EVENT

Saturday 20 June 2026
11am - 3pm


Event Information

Join us here at the Gallery this solstice weekend for a day of family friendly activities centred around the Avebury Papers.

What’s happening:

XR Experience with artist Dr Gayle Chong Kwan
Join us for a guided extended reality (XR) experience of Oneiric Archaeologies, an installation by artist Dr Gayle Chong Kwan, inspired by the Avebury stones.

The installation centres around a circle of ten ‘stones’, each of which lead to a surreal landscape inspired by the historical and contemporary dreams of archaeologists about Avebury. At this drop in event, you will be able to navigate through the landscapes and dreams themselves using wearable works and XR controller; a multi-sensory exploration of entanglements in archaeology and dreaming through XR, tactile wearables, and ritual practice.

3D Headdresses with artist Lucie Smith
Let your creativity run free at this hands-on workshop. Work with willow, wire, organic materials and more to create your own unique head dress inspired by the Avebury stones.

Postcards from Avebury
Design and draw your own postcards inspired by Avebury and its stories with the Gallery team.

How to book:
There is no need to book for this event, but if you want to let us know you are coming and receive updates about the day, book a free ticket below. There is also the option to donate.

This event is free, thanks to funding from AHRC for the Avebury Papers Project.

About the Project:

The Avebury Papers is a four-year UKRI funded project to digitise, explore, and share the multimedia archive of Avebury’s Neolithic origins and ongoing investigation. To encourage creative reuse of the archive and inspire new stories, The Avebury Papers Project commissioned two artists, Gayle Chong Kwan and Kialy Tihngang to respond to the wealth of material making up the Avebury Papers, leading to the creation of the artworks Oneiric Archaeologies (Dr Gayle Chong Kwan) and The Bluest Eye (Kialy Tihngang).

Can’t make the date? XR experiences are also scheduled for event on 20 June, 18 July, 22 August and 19 September

18 July 2026 – Oneiric Archaeologies XR Experience: FREE EVENT – Ticketing

22 August 2026 – Oneiric Archaeologies XR Experience: FREE EVENT – Ticketing

19 September 2026 – Oneiric Archaeologies XR Experience: FREE EVENT – Ticketing

Lucie Smith will also be leading drop in art workshops on 8 August

8 August 2026 – THE AVEBURY PAPERS – CLAY SPIRAL LABYRINTH WORKSHOP: FREE EVENT with Lucie Smith – Ticketing

Tickets

20 June 2026 - Solstice Activity Day Ticket FREE
£ 0.00
400 available
20 June 2026 - Solstice Activity Day Ticket With £3 Donation
Your donation will be used to support our work providing an exciting programme of events for all.
£ 3.00
400 available
20 June 2026 - Solstice Activity Day Ticket With £5 Donation
Your donation will be used to support our work providing an exciting programme of events for all.
£ 5.00
400 available
20 June 2026 - Solstice Activity Day Ticket With £8 Donation
Your donation will be used to support our work providing an exciting programme of events for all.
£ 8.00
400 available

If you have already purchased these tickets then please continue, otherwise add the required tickets and try again.

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Event Details

Southampton City Art Gallery
Saturday 20 June 2026
11am - 3pm

Start time: 11:00

Suitable for All Ages (under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult)

Organiser

  • Southampton Cultural Services
  • Phone 02380834536

Venue Details

Southampton City Art Gallery
Commercial Road
Southampton, Hampshire SO14 7LP United Kingdom

02380 834536
art.gallery@southampton.gov.uk