THE National Trust is gearing up for hundreds more people to flock to Avebury next weekend to take part in the first Saturday summer solstice since 2003.

Although the majority of people head for Stonehenge, more than 1,000 are expected to go to the Neolithic stone circle at Avebury and preparations are being made to ensure that celebrations run smoothly.

The trust will have security teams and extra staff on hand over the weekend to make sure it is safe and peaceful, but have warned that Avebury is expected to be very busy and facilities will be quickly overwhelmed.

Hilary Makins, the trust’s Wiltshire countryside manager, said: “Summer solstice is on a weekend this year and the main focus for celebrants is the sunrise on Sunday morning.

“It is always busier when it falls on a weekend and we are appealing to anybody who is intending to come along to plan ahead, make sure they have accommodation arranged and to be prepared for it to be busy.”

The site has a small area for 97 tents and the car park and campsite opens at 9am on Saturday.

The trust has said patrols will be carried out to ensure campervans are not using the car park, and nearby laybys at West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill will also be closed.

Ms Makins said: “We are expecting the campsite to fill quickly, especially if the weather is good – although there is nowhere for people to queue to wait for the campsite to open and we will not be opening them early.”

The National Trust has said that there is no parking for coaches in Avebury and coaches will have to drop off visitors at bus stops in the village and then return to collect their passengers at a pre-arranged time.

The Red Lion in Avebury has also been preparing for the busiest day of the year.

Manager Ryan Rowal said: “We've ordered in extra drinks and will have extra staff on duty to make sure the weekend runs smoothly. It will be packed on Saturday when we expect in excess of 1,000 people through the door but Friday and Sunday will also be busy.”

As well as coinciding with Father’s Day this year is also the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Beanfield, when hundreds of New Age travellers clashed with 1,000 police officers at Stonehenge, although no disruption is expected at this year's event.

The National Trust is also concerned about the use of legal highs. Last year nitrous oxide canisters were found at the World Heritage Site.

Ms Makins said: “We are concerned both from a safety point of view and for the damage this extra litter does to the henge and to livestock. It is a scheduled ancient monument and a place which is sacred and special to many people.”

For more detailed information about the Avebury solstice celebrations go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury