Thousands of people gathered at the mysterious prehistoric stone circle known as Stonehenge in southern Britain on Saturday morning to celebrate the sunrise after the longest night of the year, local media reported.
Some of the revellers were wearing colourful historical clothing and some were singing and playing drums and flutes, a BBC television report showed. Some also carried out spiritual ceremonies.
People began arriving at the site in the early hours of the morning but had to wait until 0730 GMT before they were allowed in. Police were on hand to keep the crowds under control.
Stonehenge, a world heritage site near the city of Salisbury, is famed for its iconic, 4,500-year-old stone circle. The site is popular not only with party goers and tourists, but also with followers of paganism known as Druids.
Druids base their worship of natural forces on ancient spiritual and shamanistic practises in Britain and other parts of Europe, especially Celtic traditions. Archaeologists believe the main 30-metre-diametre circle at Stonehenge was built for religious, political or other ceremonial use.
The stone circle is normally off limits to visitors, to protect the site from damage, but it is opened to the public for the summer and winter solstices and other special events. — DPA
Angelika Engler
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