Thousands gather to greet solstice sun at Stonehenge

Police arrested 25 people at Stonehenge overnight after nearly 40,000 people saw the sun rise on the longest day in the calendar.

Officers with Wiltshire Police said the arrests were largely for drugs-related offences.

The Summer Solstice has a long tradition of attracting people to monuments such as Stonehenge, where latter-day druids gather to witness the sun rising on the longest day.

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The sun rises above the horizon as dawn breaks behind the stones at Stonehenge in Wiltshire. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

A police spokesman said: “We are pleased that the Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge and Avebury have been enjoyable events for the majority of people attending.

“There were 25 arrests at Stonehenge and two at Avebury which were mainly for drug-related offences.

“The road system worked well with minimum delays and many people used the public transport as we advised people to do. Every year there are new challenges for us at Solstice but it is always a pleasure to see so many people enjoying the event.

“This year we estimate 36,000 people visited the stones throughout the night. There is always a small proportion of people who will try to break the law but I am satisfied that this was a successful policing operation and Wiltshire Police continue to facilitate a safe Solstice with our partners.”