It closes for refurbishment and this happens twice a year (8)
I believe the answer is:
solstice
'this happens twice a year' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'it closes for refurbishment' is the wordplay.
'for refurbishment' indicates an anagram.
'it'+'closes'='itcloses'
'itcloses' is an anagram of 'SOLSTICE'.
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for solstice that I've seen before include "When night and day are most unequal" , "Shortest or longest day of the year" , "Time of highest or lowest noon sun" , "21 June or 22 December?" , "Midsummer or midwinter point" .)