Thousands gathered at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, UK, to mark the summer solstice amidst a backdrop of cultural significance and recent controversy. Attendees witnessed the sun’s rays aligning with the ancient monument, while expressing disapproval of a recent protest incident at the site.
On June 21, 2024, thousands gathered at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, UK, to celebrate the summer solstice. Attendees experienced a chilly and misty morning as the sun rose at 4:52 AM, with the sun’s rays perfectly aligning with the ancient monument’s Heel Stone and Stone Circle.
This event followed an incident earlier in the week where Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed orange paint on the heritage site. Two individuals, a man in his 70s and a woman in her 20s, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. Many solstice attendees expressed disapproval of the protest’s location, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of Stonehenge.
The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and has been celebrated at Stonehenge for thousands of years. This neolithic site is renowned for its alignment with the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter sunset, a feature that continues to attract visitors annually.
