Clear skies gift solstice-watchers with 'perfect morning' at Stonehenge
Crowds cheered the rise of the sun at Stonehenge as thousands gathered to celebrate the summer solstice.
Those who observed the spectacle at the neolithic Wiltshire monument were blessed with clear skies as the sun glinted over the horizon at 4.52am.
The crowd cheers as the sun rises through the stones on the longest day of the year. Happy #SummerSolstice! pic.twitter.com/sNhNKEGExR
-- English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) June 21, 2018
English Heritage tweeted that it was the "perfect morning for the #SummerSolstice sunrise at Stonehenge".
Up to 25,000 people were expected to attend the overnight celebration of the longest day of the year at the World Heritage Site.
On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone, the ancient entrance to the Stone Circle, and rays of sunlight are channelled into the centre of the monument.
A perfect morning for the #SummerSolstice sunrise at Stonehenge. pic.twitter.com/BYulY3fxY0
-- English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) June 21, 2018
It is believed that solstices have been celebrated at Stonehenge for thousands of years.
Jennifer Davies, English Heritage's head of historic properties for Stonehenge, had asked for those attending to "respect the stones".
Visitors were urged to only take small bags and alcohol was not permitted.
Dawn is breaking over Stonehenge at #SummerSolsticepic.twitter.com/OXyLhHcffX
-- English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) June 21, 2018
English Heritage also asked that people either shared lifts or took public transport to reduce traffic and emissions.
Celebrations are on the way in in Avebury which show the public embracing the spirit of Summer Solstice #summersolsticepic.twitter.com/PvvyKrUheW
-- Wiltshire Police (@wiltshirepolice) June 21, 2018
In 2017 around 13,000 people attended Stonehenge for the summer solstice.
Wiltshire Police officers were also on hand at the event and armed officers were attending as "a precaution only".
Just over three hours until sunrise! Our drone footage shows the crowds present so far #summersolsticepic.twitter.com/DHMuV8HKe2
-- Wiltshire Police (@wiltshirepolice) June 21, 2018