Thousands enjoy Summer Solstice at Stonehenge - watch this amazing drone footage of the event - video Dailymotion

As the UK baked on the hottest day of the year, breathtaking drone footage captures the moment the sun rises over the ancient stones.

Transcript

00:00The solstice, steeped in tradition and spirituality, took place under near-record

00:04temperatures, with forecasts suggesting it could be the UK's hottest day of the year so far.

00:09Organisers described an amazing atmosphere throughout the night,

00:13helped by the warm weather and the solstice falling on a weekend.

00:17The weather and the weekend timing combined to create ideal conditions for the celebration.

00:22Alongside traditional druids and pagans, many first-time visitors took part in the sunrise

00:27event which has been observed for thousands of years at the ancient site. Others came for the

00:32communal energy, dressing in flower crowns and bright colours, playing music and celebrating in

00:38harmony with the ancient landscape. The atmosphere was largely peaceful according to Wiltshire Police

00:44who called the event safe and successful. However, once the official car park was full,

00:50some people abandoned their vehicles nearby, leading to road closures for safety around the A303 and

00:55the A360. The event also inspired solstice celebrations elsewhere, including at Glastonbury

01:02Tor, where crowds gathered at sunrise ahead of the festival next week. The sunrise was streamed live

01:08for those unable to attend in person. Across the wider region, similar gatherings were held at

01:13Glastonbury Tor and Lakehampton Hill, with many more marking the solstice privately. English Heritage,

01:19which manages Stonehenge, said events like the solstice helped to connect people with Britain's

01:24prehistoric past. For many in attendance, it was a chance to reflect, reconnect or simply admire the

01:30sunrise. Wiltshire Police confirmed additional measures may be considered for next year's solstice,

01:36including increased signage and temporary roadblocks after reporting significant pressure

01:41on traffic networks in the early hours.