Sunrise at Stonehenge draws druids and pagans to celebrate summer solstice

At sunrise on the summer solstice, around 25,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to witness the sun align with the ancient monument’s Heel Stone, marking the longest day of the year. Visitors were allowed to walk among the stones for the rare event, while over 400,000 watched online. Temperatures surged across the U.K., prompting the first amber heat alert since 2023. Built around 2,500 B.C., Stonehenge is believed to have been a solar‑aligned temple, though its exact purpose remains debated, the Associated Press has reported. The event was described as peaceful and enchanting by site officials.