Thousands expected at Stonehenge for summer solstice

Around 30,000 people are expected to converge on Stonehenge in England from today for one of the highlights of the counter-culture calendar- the summer solstice celebrations.

Gatherings in recent years have been far more low-key than in previous troubled times but police in Wiltshire and Hampshire have said they will still not tolerate any illegal parties after the event.

They have also warned motorists to avoid the area if possible and have reminded drivers that illegally parked cars will be removed.

More than 200 bleary-eyed revellers attending last year’s solstice returned to find their cars had been towed after leaving them on the side of the busy A303.

Police have said they do not want to be “killjoys” but have said they will search revellers for drugs if necessary and monument caretakers English Heritage have said no glass bottles or fireworks will be allowed on site.

English Heritage chief executive Dr Simon Thurley said: “Summer Solstice is a special time which means different things to different people.

“We work closely with many agencies and people from all sectors of the community to ensure that everyone who comes is able to enjoy the occasion safely and peacefully.

“English Heritage has a duty of care to ensure public safety and is responsible for the protection of Stonehenge and its surrounding monuments. Observance of the Conditions of Entry is essential if we are to ensure access to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice in the future.”

Sunrise is expected at 04.58 on Monday and although cloudy weather often means a spectacular dawn is not usually visible, this year, forecasters have predicted possible clear skies.

Access to the site is from 10pm Sunday until 9am Monday with revellers expected to have left by 1pm.

Many use the occasion as a traditional stop-over en route to the Glastonbury Festival which starts next week.