A clear Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

2010-06-21 1,433


Thousands of Summer Solstice revellers gathered at Stonehenge on Monday morning to watch dawn break on the longest day of the year.


The crowds were treated to clear views of the sunrise - previous years have seen the spectacle obscured by mist and cloud.


The solstice annually attracts an eclectic mix - Druids, hippies, sun worshippers and those who are curious to experience the ancient festival.


Nearly 20,000 people attended the event, with 15 arrests overnight for minor public disorder.


As the sun rose at 0452, a cheer went up from those gathered overnight at the stone circle on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.


Last year a record 36,500 revellers attended, causing traffic chaos and road closures.


It was announced last week that £10 million of funding for a proposed visitor centre at the prehistoric site has been axed, putting the plans on hold indefinitely.