Thousands celebrated through the night at Stonehenge in southwest England, ushering in the sunrise on the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The stone circle aligns with the sun's path at the solstices.

A large crowd partied through the night and into the morning, with special managed access to the Stonehenge stone circle extended until 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. English Heritage said it welcomed more than 20,000 people, with thousands more watching via livestream.

On June 21, the Earth's Northern Hemisphere is tilted furthest towards the sun, resulting in the longest day. The reverse occurs in the Southern Hemisphere on December 21.

The prehistoric megalithic stone circle on Salisbury Plain appears built to align with the sun's path on these days. Since 1978, public access has been restricted due to vandalism and erosion.

Modern solstice gatherings began in the mid-19th century, but in 1985, police clashed with the Peace Convoy in the Battle of Beanfield, resulting in over 500 arrests. Since 2000, English Heritage has allowed managed access for solstices and equinoxes.

Parking fees rose to £25 in 2026, with spaces sold out. Weather was warm, but France banned public alcohol consumption during Music Day. Sweden's Midsummer celebrations were dampened by a football loss.

Source: www.dw.com