Hundreds of people celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge after the historic site was defaced by Just Stop Oil eco-fanatics By Arthur Parashar Published: 01:05, 21 June 2024 | Updated: 01:09, 21 June 2024 e-mail View comments Hundreds of people have gathered to celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge - just 24 hours after the historic site was defaced by Just Stop Oil . In a tradition spanning thousands of years, druids and pagans joined a colourful mix of sun worshippers to mark the longest day of the year at the ancient neolithic site in Wiltshire. Stonehenge is a monument built on the alignment of the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter sunset.
On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone, the ancient entrance to the Stone Circle. Rays of sunlight are then channelled into the centre of the monument. It is believed that solstices have been celebrated at Stonehenge for thousands of years - any many people travel to the ancient site from around the world.
The word solstice is derived from the Latin words sol - 'sun' - and sistere - 'stand still'. Hundreds of visitors were seen walking down to Stonehenge as they enjoyed a stunning sunset in the stone circle. One couple even got married to mark the special evening - and sealed the moment with a kiss as the crowds cheered.
Revellers enjoy the summer solstice celebration at Stonehenge as the sun sets beneath the stones Hundreds of sun worshippers enjoyed a balmy evening at Stonehenge to mark the solstice H.
