- author, Sophie Parker, Harriet Robinson, Dan O’Brien, Marie Lennon
- role, BBC News
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About 15,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to watch the summer solstice sunrise.
This is one of the rare opportunities for people to get up close to the stones at the historic site near Salisbury, Wiltshire.
English Heritage used a specialist air blower to remove the paint, but if rain had come into contact with it it could have caused serious damage.
Kate Logan, the charity’s director of historic assets, said: “I think everyone who took part in the Midsummer Festival today was really delighted to be able to come and see this magnificent stone – this incident can now be put behind them.”
“I’m really thrilled with how this year’s event turned out. It’s not often that you get to see such a spectacular sunrise, but we were very lucky today.”
People travel from all over the world to witness the summer solstice at this 5,000-year-old site.
Tammy McCollum said she had travelled around 5,000 miles from Washington in the US for the event.
“It’s amazing. When I touched the stone it was so moving, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“I felt called to come here. This is a bucket list trip.”
The place opened on a Thursday evening and many people showed up to watch the sunset, with many staying all night to watch the sunrise on Friday morning.
As the sun rose, we could hear the sound of drums beating and the cheers of the crowd.
Druids and other Pagans also gathered, and the event became a spiritual time for many.
“There’s such great camaraderie and energy,” said Carolyn Pare, one of the visitors. “It’s a completely moving and spiritual experience when you come here.”
Wiltshire Police always attends the event but after the Just Stop Oil protest Deputy Chief Commissioner Craig Dibdin said they had immediately reviewed their plans with organisers and were satisfied.
Chief Superintendent Dibdin said the area was “very safe” with only one arrest for a minor assault.
“It was a really successful and enjoyable event,” he added.
Other locations in the West Country also attract large crowds at the summer solstice, notably Avebury, also in Wiltshire, and Glastonbury Tor in Somerset.
