Sunrise Spectacle: Thousands Celebrate Summer Solstice at Stonehenge!

On Friday morning around 15,000 enthusiastic revelers greeted the sun with cheers, smiles, and prayers at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, just days after the ancient monument was splashed with orange paint.

English Heritage, the guardians of this mystical site, brought the magic to the masses by livestreaming the event. Over 200,000 people from around the globe tuned in to witness the breathtaking sunset and sunrise.

Those lucky enough to be at the neolithic wonder in Wiltshire braved a chilly morning with misty fields to see the sunrise at 4:52 am on Friday, casting a golden glow over the horizon.

Rebecca Eade, English Heritage’s director of Stonehenge, shared her excitement: "Coming together at Stonehenge for the summer solstice is a tradition that unites people from near and far to welcome the longest day and celebrate the changing seasons. This morning was a joyous and peaceful occasion with a stunning sunrise. It’s wonderful to see Stonehenge continue to captivate and connect people."

“From sunset to sunrise, the atmosphere was fantastic and enjoyed by everyone, making it a truly memorable experience.”

Eade emphasized that the event's safety, enjoyment, and sustainability were made possible by the dedication of staff and volunteers, along with the support of Wiltshire council and emergency services.

Stonehenge is a monument aligned with 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, directing rays of sunlight into the center of the monument. Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge are believed to date back thousands of years.

The summer solstice occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun, resulting in the sun reaching its highest position in the sky and the longest period of daylight for the year.