Stonehenge summer solstice: In pictures

21 June 2021

Police watch crowds celebrate during Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, where some people jumped over the fence to enter the stone-circle to watch the sun rise at dawn of the longest day in the UK. — Image caption,
Police and security staff watched on as crowds celebrated during the summer solstice at Stonehenge

The sun has risen on the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year. Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, is traditionally seen as a meeting place to mark the occasion, but it was closed off after the government delayed the easing of England's covid restrictions into July.

About 200 people ignored advice not to travel to the site. Here's how this year's event passed in pictures:

Revellers climb over a fence to get into Stonehenge ancient stone circle, despite official events being cancelled amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), near Amesbury, Britain, June 21, 2021.

Reuters

Some people climbed over a low fence to get into the ancient stone circle, after it was closed amid the spread of coronavirus

People inside the stone-circle during Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

PA Media

The atmosphere inside the stone circle was said to be good natured and peaceful

People inside the stone-circle during Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, where some people jumped over the fence to enter the site to watch the sun rise at dawn of the longest day in the UK.

PA Media

People celebrated with music and singing

A woman stands silent inside the stone-circle during Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, where some people jumped over the fence to enter the site to watch the sun rise at dawn of the longest day in the UK.

PA Media

A woman stood silent as the sun came up behind the clouds

Revellers gather to celebrate the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge ancient stone circle

Reuters

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

Arch-Druid Arthur Pendragon speaks in front of Stonehenge ancient stone circle, during the celebrations of the Summer Solstice, despite official events being cancelled amid the spread of the coronavirus disease

Reuters

Senior druid King Arthur Pendragon performed a ritual from outside the fence

Revellers celebrate the Summer Solstice, despite official events being cancelled amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Avebury

Reuters

People also turned up at Avebury Stones, about 24 miles (38km) away, where police closed part of the nearby Ridgeway footpath to maintain public safety