IF YOU visit the ancient stones near Great Rollright this summer, you could get more than you bargained for.

When the sun starts to sink on Saturday, visitors will see the premiere of a play specially written to end a day of summer solstice celebrations at the megalithic stones near Chipping Norton.

Although the solstice is not until June 21, local writer Marie-Annick Jubé has created Summer Solstice for the event which earlier in the day will feature ancient crafts, storytelling and astronomy.

The play will be staged in aid of the Rollright Trust, which looks after the stones that date from 2,000 to 2,500 BC.

It is based on the ghost of a girl allegedly seen at the stones, and on the main stone circle known as the King’s Men stones, which in mythology are said to represent a king and his knights turned to stone by a witch.

Ms Jubé said: I’ve always been aware of earth-bound spirits and countless people had either seen or sensed a little girl by the King’s Men.

“But I was also led by another part of the legend. It is said no-one can count the same number of stones three times in a row and that invoked a feeling of mystery – my favourite genre.

“One saying is that if you succeed in your count it will bring you bad luck. The other is that your wish will be granted.

“I chose the light side as my feeling was to bring back peace, harmony and healing to the site which in the past has been connected to black magic and vandalism.”

The story follows the fate of a family visiting the site at summer solstice.

The father, down-to-earth Tim, is dismissive of myth. His wife, Linda, is a psychic and daughter, Roxy, 19, an insecure dreamer.

The characters encounter a world conjuring up a ghost, fairies and knights played by an amateur cast.

Ms Jubé, also a volunteer usher at Chipping Norton Theatre, added: “I’d like the audience to feel part of the play. Linking hands at the end will show we’re embracing the land, history and heritage.”

The whole event called Summer Stones and Ancient Magic, begins at 2.30pm. Displays of country crafts will include weaving, spoon carving and dowsing.

Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Group, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will be on site with telescopes. Storytellers will entertain the audience and there will be evocative acoustic music.

Visitors can also enjoy traditional English teas and bring picnics.

Tickets are available from summer-solstice.uk and Chipping Norton Theatre box office on 01608 642350. The event runs from 2.30pm to 10.30pm. The play starts at 9.30pm.