14,500 Pagans (and others) gather at Stonehenge for Summer Solstice

THE TELEGRAPH
By Donna Bowater

Archdruid of Glastonbury and Stonehenge conducts a Solstice celebration service

UNITED KINGDOM -- Around 14,500 people endured downpours this morning as they welcomed the sun during the dawn pagan tradition. Every year, thousands descend upon the prehistoric monument on the longest day of the year but the weather afforded no respite from the soggy start to the season. Drummers inside the ancient stone circle kept up their beat throughout the poor weather, with pagans dancing along to the rhythm in the rain. A spokesman for English Heritage said: "14,500 people gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice this year. [link]