Soggy 'sunrise' for Stonehenge
Thousands of people have travelled to Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice.
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Soggy Solstice at Stonehenge
More pictures from Stonehenge
Around 14,500 people danced through the morning at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, despite the gloomy weather.
Police say it "has been a positive experience for the majority of visitors".
Seeing in the Solstice
Poor weather could not dampen the spirits of 14,500 people at Stonehenge at dawn this morning.
The annual pagan celebration of the sun, on the longest day of the year, centred on the famous prehistoric monument where the event was marked with religious ceremonies.
The solstice annually attracts an eclectic mix and among the druids, revellers and sun worshippers were those just curious to experience the spiritual event on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire.
English Heritage opened up the stone circle yesterday evening ready to welcome those making the pilgrimage.
Heavy rain overnight reduced the number of people who camped out or arrived early to witness the dawn compared with previous years, which have seen numbers of around 20,000.
The sunrise came at 4.52am and was welcomed by rain-sodden crowds with a loud cheer and applause.
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The atmosphere was 'electric', revellers say
Spirits not dampened
Watch the rain-soaked solstice celebrations at Stonehenge
Thousands at soggy solstice
Thousands of people have marked the summer solstice at Stonehenge despite the celebration being one of the wettest in years.
Read the full storyJust before the sun came up (and the rain fell)
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14,500 people enjoy 'Summer' Solstice at Stonehenge
Wiltshire Police say: "Solstice 2012 has been a positive experience for the majority ofvisitors to Stonehenge. Despite the rain there were approximately 14,500 people who came to enjoy the celebrations.
"Our aim was to make sure that everybody had a safe and enjoyable evening which, along with our partners, we achieved. As with every year, sadly there was a small minority who were determinedto disregard the law.
"These people were dealt with robustly and there were 20 arrests throughout the night. We would like to thank of all our partners for yet another successful event."
Pictures from a soggy Stonehenge
It's a gloomy, soggy morning to celebrate the solstice at Stonehenge unfortunately. So much so our cameraman's lens is fogging up!
Soggy Solstice at Stonehenge
by David Meikle
Thousands of people have gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice.... rain, hail or shine!
Read the full storyThousands gather at Stonehenge for Summer Solstice
Pagans and druids witness the sunrise on the longest day of the year. They mark the event at Stonehenge with religious ceremonies. Coverage on Meridian throughout Thursday.