Summer solstice sun rises on Stonehenge as thousands gather

June 21, 2015 18:31

Thousands of people converged at the UK's iconic Stonehenge today to witness the sun rise above the horizon through the timeless stones for its longest day on earth or the summer solstice as Yoga reached the popular neolithic site.

Around 23,000 revellers, including hippies and pagans, turned up before dawn at the prehistoric stone circle southwest England, some 130 kilometres from here.

One of the wonders of the world, the 17 or so other rock types standing for about 4,600 years in Wiltshire provided a spectacular view at sunrise to the crowd waiting for a glimpse of the sun despite cloud in the area.

Others also visited the nearby Avebury stone circle amid apprehension that cloud and rain would spoil the view.

However, some visitors to the World Heritage Site said this year's solstice sunrise was one of the best they had seen.

The party for the revellers, some with flowers in hair and playing drums and accordions, was shorter than during the past years as the sun was visible only briefly.

Free-form celebrations witnessed visitors kissing the stones believed to have been erected in around 2500 BC, couples renewing their commitments, dancers swirling on the grass and drummers pounding even as a small group of yoga enthusiasts held a short class.

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