Summer Solstice Celebration

Celebrate the summer solstice with Sampad.

Marking the longest day of the year, the event invites you to celebrate the energy of the sun through a series of family-friendly workshops and performances.

Young people are invited to join a special theatre-making experience, where they’ll work collaboratively in a two-hour workshop to devise a short performance from scratch. The piece will then be shared live as part of the day’s programme, giving participants the chance to perform in front of an audience.

Don’t miss a striking performance of Icarus by Prem Rai, inspired by the well-known myth of flight, ambition and the pull of the sun. Performed beneath British artist Luke Jerram’s illuminated sculpture, Helios, the piece brings the story vividly to life.

There’ll be plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with sun-themed crafts – create your own sun catcher or make your own flower jewellery.

Join us for a joyful celebration of light, creativity and community at the heart of the city.

This event is free, drop in anytime on Saturday 20 June, 11am to 3pm.

See the Sun like never before

From March to November 2026, The Exchange will host Helios, a breathtaking, large-scale illuminated sculpture by acclaimed British artist Luke Jerram. This spectacular new artwork will transform The Exchange’s historic Banking Hall into an immersive celebration of art and science, and a rare opportunity to gaze at our closest star.

Photo by Nicola Gotts