21/06/2016
Summer solstice 2016 at Stonehenge
Around 12,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to mark the Summer Solstice.
Around 12,000 people came from across the UK and beyond to mark the longest day and shortest night of the year.
The crowd enjoyed the sight of a full, strawberry moon before the midsummer sun rose at 04:52 BST behind the Heel Stone, the ancient entrance to the Stone Circle from the ceremonial avenue.
Kate Davies, English Heritage's General Manager of Stonehenge, said: "The Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is one of the most special times in the year for the monument. This year, we had a spectacular strawberry moon and a glorious sunrise. We were delighted to see how many families came to the solstice this year.
"We are pleased with how the celebrations have gone. This year we introduced some changes and people embraced them, both respecting and understanding the reason for these changes. The Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge is a major operation and we couldn't do it without our partners, especially the police and Wiltshire Council."
To see highlights from Summer Solstice, follow @EH_Stonehenge or @EnglishHeritage on Twitter.
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