Shropshire Star

In Pictures: Summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge

Thousands of people have marked the dawning of the longest day at the Wiltshire monument.

Published
Summer Solstice 2022

Thousands of people have welcomed the longest day of the year under clear skies at Stonehenge.

Some of the prehistoric monument’s giant stones are aligned with the rising sun on the longest and shortest days, and traditionally sees people celebrating the solstices at the site.

The dawn event marked the first time since the pandemic began people have taken part in these ancient ceremonies, thought to date back thousands of years.

Summer Solstice 2022
The sun begins to rise above the Heel Stone (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Summer Solstice 2022
People touch one of the stones at the monument (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Summer Solstice 2022
The sun begins to shine on the longest day (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Summer Solstice 2022
A yoga session takes place before the rising sun (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Summer Solstice 2022
A gathering at the 16ft Heel Stone
Summer weather June 21st 2022
The summer solstice sun rises behind the Liverpool skyline (Peter Byrne/PA)
Summer Solstice 2022
Celebrations as the sun rises (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Arthur Uther Pendragon and fellow revellers
Eco-campaigner and neo-Druid Arthur Uther Pendragon joins people as they gather at the Heel Stone (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Summer Solstice 2022
People dressed in traditional robes ahead of the ceremony (Andrew Matthews/PA)
Summer Solstice 2022
Revellers will return for the Winter Solstice in December (Andrew Matthews/PA)
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