Sat Dec 21 23:33:06 UTC 2024: ## Thousands Greet Winter Solstice Sunrise at Stonehenge
**Amesbury, Wiltshire –** Thousands of people gathered at Stonehenge on Wednesday to witness the winter solstice sunrise, marking the shortest day of the year and celebrating themes of renewal and rebirth. Despite a windy morning, approximately 4,500 people attended the event in person, with over 100,000 more watching a live online stream, according to English Heritage.
The ancient monument opened its grounds early to allow visitors to witness the sun rising over the iconic stones at approximately 8:09 GMT. The event drew a diverse crowd, with many expressing a sense of community and spiritual connection. One attendee, Chris Smith, described the occasion as an opportunity for reflection and moving forward into the new year. “There’s such a vibe,” he said, noting the positive energy of the gathering.
Similar solstice celebrations were also reported at Avebury, home to another ancient stone circle where participants engaged in pagan traditions like tying ribbons to wishing trees, and at Glastonbury Tor in Somerset, where a bonfire and songs marked the sunrise.
English Heritage, which manages Stonehenge, typically restricts large crowds but opens the site for both the summer and winter solstices. This year’s event was deemed a peaceful and enjoyable celebration, despite less-than-ideal weather conditions.
First Piper 