THE summer solstice this year was marked by clear skies and a sunrise without clouds or mists allowing thousands to enjoy the annual event.

In Avebury at the stone circle around 2,000 people gathered to dance, play music, recite poems or simply to enjoy the moment.

Sarah Singleton from Chippenham said: “After all these weeks of rain, the brilliant sunshine on the summer solstice gave the event the atmosphere of a festival.

“It was an absolute joy. All day, Avebury thronged with all sorts of colourful characters all happy to celebrate the longest day.”

Meanwhile at Stonehenge English Heritage said approximately 10,000 people gathered on Friday, June 21, for the year’s longest day.

Kate Logan, English Heritage’s director of Stonehenge, said: “Celebrating Summer Solstice is one of the highlights of the year at Stonehenge. It’s a great opportunity for friends and families to come together to mark the longest day of the year, as people have done for thousands of years.”

“Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is a major operation and we couldn’t do it without the support of our partners, especially Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council.”

Despite the goodwill there were some reports of problems at both sites. Apart from litter left and cars badly parked in Avebury Wiltshire Police reported on a number of arrests. Four people were arrested at Stonehenge while one further arrest was made at Avebury.

Superintendent Dave Minty said: “Overnight, we deployed a force drone at Stonehenge. We got some really good footage and by using a live feed to the control room it made it easier for us to place officers and security officers around the site where they may be needed.”

The arrests were for drink driving, drunk and disorderly, indecent exposure and criminal damage at Stonehenge and common assault in Avebury.