36,000 Pagans and Tourists Celebrated Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
Posted on June 22, 2014
Approximately 36,000 people visited Stonehenge to celebrate the sunrise of the Summer Solstice. They gathered on Friday night and saw in the sunrise on Saturday June 21st, the longest day of the year. Pagans, tourists, druids and yoga practicioners all gathered to celebrate at the ancient monument.According to English Heritage, which runs the popular tourist spot, there was "Great atmosphere, superb weather, and a glorious sunrise!" for the event. Sadly, the crowds left such a mess that the site was closed the day afterwards for a massive cleanup.
Stonehenge was built around 2500 BC in the late Neolithic period. There are multiple burial mounds nearby Its purpose remains a mystery. Many believe it was a central point of an ancient pagan religion, due to its specific placement. But no one knows for sure. Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, England, England. You must buy advanced tickets to visit the monument. The tickets are for a specific time. You can find out how to visit at the English Heritage website.
Here is some footage of the sunrise shot by the AP: