June 27, 2018

Thousands attend Stonehenge solstice

Media caption The police drone was used to movie the summer solstice crowd at Stonehenge

Thousands of people gathered with Stonehenge for the summer solstice, because the sun rose amid clear heavens.

About 9, five hundred people were at the Neolithic monument in order to greet the start of the longest day time of the year, according to Wiltshire Law enforcement.

The sun appeared at the rear of the Heel Stone at apr: 52 BST to cheering plus applause from the crowd.

The summer solstice is one of the rare events that English Heritage opens up the particular stones for public access.

As with last year’s event, Wiltshire Police confirmed this had stepped up security along with armed police on patrol.

Image caption Countless numbers turned up to watch the sunrise

Image caption Many of those who attended put on colourful outfits

Although thousands attended the particular solstice, the force said three or more, 500 fewer people came to view the sunrise compared with 2017.

Supt Dave Minty, Wiltshire Police’s overnight commander, stated behaviour at the stones was “brilliant”, with no arrests made.

“The sunrise was amazing, and don’t see many of those, ” this individual added.

“People appear to have adapted really well to the increased level of security and they’ve been actually patient with it. ”

Media caption Mouth and foot artist Ben Yendell captures the sunrise in Stonehenge.

English Heritage’s director of Stonehenge, Kate Davies, said the solstice was one of the “highlights of the year”.

“It’s a great chance for friends and families to come jointly and mark the longest day time of the year, as people have finished thousands of years, ” she said.

“There was a lovely, pleasant atmosphere throughout, the sun shone, plus dawn was met with noisy cheers. ”

Image caption Some individuals practised yoga exercises at the group

Within the summer solstice, the sun rises at the rear of the Heel Stone, the historic entrance to the stone circle, plus sunlight is channelled into the center of the monument.

It is believed that solstices have already been celebrated at Stonehenge for thousands of years.

The site holds special importance for members of the Druid plus Pagan community, who perform traditions and celebrations at the summer plus winter solstices.

Numerous people also enjoyed the solstice at the nearby Avebury stone group, where Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard described it being a “lovely family event” with a “positive spirit”.