The winter solstice occurs each year when the North Pole is tilted farthest away from the sun, resulting in the fewest hours of sunlight, and the shortest day of the year.
Crowds of people played music and danced at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, where monuments are believed to be aligned to the movements of the sun.
The traditional event attracted hundreds of people to the monument, particularly from the Pagan community.
Kate Davies, of English Heritage, said: “It was fantastic to welcome approximately 5000 people to Stonehenge this morning to celebrate winter solstice.
“It was an enjoyable and peaceful celebration despite the damp and cloudy weather and it was great to see so many families enjoying themselves around the monument.”
Revellers in vibrant costumes gathered to mark the Winter Solstice and to witness the sunrise after the longest night of the year.
Striking photographs show choirs singing, a couple embracing, and many taking a moment of peace by the ancient stones.
The traditional event attracted hundreds of people to the monument, particularly from the Pagan community.
Stonehenge has been a place of worship and celebration at the time of Winter Solstice for thousands of years.
English Heritage has “managed open access”, meaning the public can stand among the stones on these days. Anyone can turn up on the day to get close to the stones, but people are asked not to touch or climb on them.
Stonehenge Winter Solstice 2018 Links:
Stonehenge Winter Solstice striking moments as costumed revellers sing and dance – The Mirror
2018 winter solstice celebrations at Stonehenge – Salisbury Journal
Thousands mark Winter Solstice at Stonehenge – Spire FM
Pagans and druids including ‘real’ KING ARTHUR descend on Stonehenge for winter solstice – The Dail Star
Stonehnege winter solstice video clips onPericsope
Stonehenge winter solstice: Parking row mars event – BBC NEWS
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