Roughly 8,000 people gathered at the iconic historical site to celebrate the longest day of the year.

The first official day of summertime in the Northern Hemisphere , which is also the longest twenty-four hours of the year , is a quite obvious rationality for celebrations , but for one watershed specifically , it is a huge case .

From yesterday and through this morning , 8,000 people gathered atStonehenge , the iconic prehistorical Harlan F. Stone roofy located in southern England which is also a UNESCO - protected world heritage internet site . The need is simple : celebrate the sun on its most important day in a place that , according to the English Heritage , a charity managing several historical sites , is said to have served as a coronation site , a druid synagogue , or an astronomical computer for solar outcome and eclipse . The most commonly accept interpretation , though , " is that of a prehistoric synagogue aligned with the front of the sun , " theAssociated Pressreports .

solemnisation started last night and throughout the night , culminating in a gorgeous sunrise that shone through the proud Stonehenge stones . A variety of multitude from many dissimilar communities gathered for the issue , including druids , hippies , hedonist , and even local residents as well as tourist . Through drumming , singing , and cheering , people show their gratitude and appreciation for the event , turn up in colorful costume and celebratory property .

stonehenge sunset

Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

" Stonehenge continues to captivate and to bring mass together to celebrate the seasons , just as it has done for thousands of years , " said Nichola Tasker , theater director of Stonehenge at English Heritage , the AP reported . " There was a wonderful atmosphere from sunset to sunrise , and everybody enjoyed a very atmospherical morning . "

For the occasion , people were allow to gather inside the stone roundabout , though climbing on the stones was proscribe . participant were permit to bring melodious instruments as well , include drums and acoustic guitar , but no sound systems were let to the celebration . Additionally , to spend the night in puff , blankets were allowed , but sleeping bagful were a no - no . Oh , and no alcohol — justvibes .

According to English Heritage , which organise a livestream for people to participate in the sundown and sunrise celebrations from any part of the public , more or less 154,000 people tune in to digitally be part of the case .

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you may watch the livestream transcription right here :

And below are some extra views of this year ’s Stonehenge solstice festivity :

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