Thousands attend ‘joyous’ solstice celebrations

This year’s summer solstice celebrations have passed peacefully, with thousands enjoying the sunrise at Stonehenge.

Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper was at the stones this morning and thanked everyone for a ‘joyous’ occasion.

Thousands of local people, druids and people from all backgrounds attended the sunrise at around 4:50 am this morning to celebrate the longest day of the year.

The gates opened at 7 pm yesterday evening as those coming in celebrate the solstice began arriving in their numbers.

Parking restrictions had been implemented, and temporary crossing points were installed on the A303 to assist those walking to the stones.

Buses ran to and from Salisbury City Centre yesterday evening and this morning to ferry people to and from the ancient stones.

Stonehenge Summer Solstice Sunrise Celebrations pic.twitter.com/uG1268iMxv

— Stonehenge U.K (@ST0NEHENGE) June 21, 2023

Stonehenge Summer Solstice Sunrise Celebrations pic.twitter.com/HKaY3q99XA

— Stonehenge U.K (@ST0NEHENGE) June 21, 2023

Thousands more watched on line via the English Heritage live stream on the sunrise, the virtual way of joining in the event.