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
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Thousands of Druids, Pagans and Revelers Flock to Stonehenge for Summer Solstice
June 21, 2014
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.
Want to leave a tip?
We answer to you. Help keep our content free of advertisers and big tech censorship by leaving a tip today.
Want to join the conversation?
Already a subscriber?
more stories
Sign up for the Blaze newsletter
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Get the stories that matter most delivered directly to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.