Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge as thousands mark longest day of year

Approximately 20,000 people descended upon Stonehenge in the early hours of Sunday morning to mark the summer solstice at the ancient Wiltshire monument.

The crowd assembled around the prehistoric site's heel stone, which serves as the entrance to the structure, to observe the sunrise at 4.52am on what is the longest day of the year in Britain.

The astronomical solstice itself was due to take place at 9.24am, when the Earth's axis reaches its maximum tilt towards the sun.

The neolithic monument on Salisbury Plain, constructed around 3100BC, was specifically aligned with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset.

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Before dawn broke, visitors created a purple light display to mark the occasion, while others were seen placing their hands upon the ancient stones in a moment of connection with the 5,000-year-old structure.

As the first rays of sunlight began filtering through the morning mist and into the centre of the stone circle, attendees played traditional instruments and captured photographs to commemorate the experience.

Solstice observations at Stonehenge are thought to stretch back millennia, with Midsummer festivities traditionally featuring outdoor gatherings that include dancing, bonfires and communal feasting.

Georgia Butters, English Heritage's head of Stonehenge, spoke of how the annual event unites people from across the globe.

"Coming together at this iconic monument for the summer solstice is a tradition that brings people together from near and far," she said.

"It was wonderful to see families and friends taking part in this joyous experience."

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Ms Butters added that the organisation looks forward to welcoming both returning visitors and newcomers to next year's celebrations.

Beyond Wiltshire, solstice gatherings took place across the nation, from Parliament Hill in London to Glastonbury Tor in Somerset, where hundreds watched an orange sunrise emerge from behind clouds.

Those gathered at Stonehenge were treated to warm conditions, with temperatures in Salisbury forecast to hit 28C today as the solstice coincided with the onset of a significant heatwave.

The Met Office has issued a severe high temperature warning covering the East and West Midlands, eastern and south-western England, Wales and London.

Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates warned on Saturday that the heat "will expand and intensify" in the coming days, with temperatures expected to climb to 32C on Monday before reaching 35C by Tuesday and Wednesday.

High humidity levels will make conditions feel particularly uncomfortable, with tropical nights likely in urban areas.

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