Summer Solstice at Stonehenge praised by police for being peaceful
Last updated 23/06/2009 10:46:23
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge praised by police for being peaceful
It's the highlight of the summer calendar for thousands of people - welcoming the dawn of the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge. And this year's event has been hailed by police as a successful and positive weekend, with few arrests.
Thirty thousand people attended the event to witness the dawn of the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and 6,500 cars were parked up two hours before sunrise.
The date has had spiritual significance for thousands of years for those amazed by the great power of the sun. Like other religious groups, Pagans are in awe of the incredible strength of the sun and thedivine powers that create life - and today both Pagans and non-Pagans celebrate the event together.
Wiltshire Police said the event had passed in a positive manner with the vast majority of people enjoying themselves. There were just 37 arrests out of the thousands of spectators, mainly for drug possession and public order offences which included being drunk and disorderly.
Superintendent Nick Ashley said: "The Solstice celebration this year has been peaceful and enjoyable for the majority who were present to celebrate the occasion in a safe manner and I would like to thank those people for their co operation."