A peaceful solstice was had by all at Avebury as crowds watched the midsummer sunrise

Might as well admit it right away: by the time your reporter got to Avebury on midsummer morning the sunrise had happened some hours before and the first of the crowds were already leaving on the bus to Swindon.  We had well and truly missed the solstice fun and chanting as the sun rose.

With the sun pretty high in the totally blue sky, many of the all-night crowd were beginning to sleep it off – whatever ‘it’ had been.  Whether you are a Druid or a pagan or just like to celebrate summer, you still have to get some sleep. (See photos below.)

Volunteers among the sun watchers were collecting up litter and Avebury and its sheep were none the worse for the night’s celebrations.

The police reported the crowd was larger than last year.  But it has become more of a family event and no trouble was reported by anyone we spoke to.  Though a couple of people did venture the forecast that there would be a lot of sore heads and hangovers about.

With dozens of tents at the specially roped off overflow part of the main car park there was a ‘Camp Site Full’ sign. In all the National Trust provide about 100 tent spaces.

The two ambulances at the cricket pavilion were standing satisfyingly idle.  True there were lots of police about and volunteers making sure things stayed peaceful.

The National Trust had announced “We want you to come and enjoy a peaceful solstice…” – and their wish had been granted.  The good weather had certainly helped to keep people smiling.

Meanwhile at Stonehenge, Wiltshire’s main centre for solstice celebrations, the crowds were estimated at 37,000 and police reported just 25 arrests mainly for drug-related offences.

Wiltshire Police said: “We are pleased that the solstice celebrations have been enjoyable events for the majority of people attending.”