AN HISTORIC manor in north Shropshire held an event to mark the Winter Solstice on Tuesday night.

Soulton Hall, near Wem, saw crowds gather to mark the shortest day of the year on December 21 and celebrate the days becoming longer.

It was the second time the event was held and there were 70 people in attendance including youngsters from Wem Youth Club.

Owner Tim Ashton explained that the event was ticketed, and this meant they were able to ensure numbers were kept to a minimum and therefore be able to comply with social distancing.

Mr Ashton said: “We re very careful and very responsible in ensuring people kept their distance and the room was ventilated.

“Tickets kept the numbers limited.”

The celebration included a performance by the Jarualda Quartet, which is made up of Shropshire musicians. They formed during the Covid-19 lockdowns and until recently been prevented from performing by restrictions.

Mr Ashton confirmed they will be returning in the summer for the Summer Solstice.

For some who attended, it was a way to pay respects to loved ones with some of the attendees having lost loved ones due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and some of the event focused on the Long Barrow at the site.

“For some who’ve attended, there is hope things will be better,” Mr Ashton added.