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Thousands of Druids, Pagans and Revelers Flock to Stonehenge for Summer Solstice
WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: Mad Al takes part in the summer solstice dawn celebrations after druids, pagans and revellers gathered for the Summer Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge on June 21, 2014 in Wiltshire, England. A sunny forecast brought thousands of revellers to the 5,000 year old stone circle in Wiltshire to see the sunrise on the Summer Solstice dawn. The solstice sunrise marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Tim Ireland/Getty Images

Thousands of Druids, Pagans and Revelers Flock to Stonehenge for Summer Solstice

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Zach Noble

LONDON (AP) — Self-styled Druids, new-agers and thousands of revelers have watched the sun rise above the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge to mark the summer solstice — the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.

WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: People gather to watch the Summer Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge on June 21, 2014 in Wiltshire, England. A sunny forecast brought thousands of revelers to the 5,000 year old stone circle in Wiltshire to see the sunrise on the Summer Solstice dawn. The solstice sunrise marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Tim Ireland/Getty Images

English Heritage, which manages the monument, says some 36,000 sun-watchers gathered on the Salisbury Plain about 80 miles (130 kilometers) southwest of London on Saturday. Police say the event was peaceful with only 25 arrests, mainly for drug offenses.

WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: Rubbish gathered at the base of one of the stones during the Summer Solstice sunrise celebrations at Stonehenge on June 21, 2014 in Wiltshire, England. Tim Ireland/Getty Images

Couples kissed, dancers circled with hoops and revelers took part in a mass yoga practice as part of the free-form celebrations.

WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: Mad Al takes part in the summer solstice dawn celebrations after druids, pagans and revellers gathered for the Summer Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge on June 21, 2014 in Wiltshire, England. Tim Ireland/Getty Images

Stonehenge was built in three phases between 3000 B.C. and 1600 B.C. and its purpose is remains under study. An icon of Britain, it remains one of its most popular tourist attractions.

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