SOLSTICE goers at Stonehenge were treated to a stunning sunrise this morning on the longest day of the year.

The annual pagan festivities had been marred in the build-up by protests around new parking charges and an alcohol ban at the stones but the event passed without major incident.

However, despite the calm atmosphere, numbers appeared to be visibly down with around 12,000 people in attendance — although this is partly down to it being the first weekday summer solstice in two years. More than 23,000 people were at the solstice last year.

But clear skies greeted dawn with revellers able to catch perfect shots of the sun aligned with the Heel Stone.

It was also a very rare astrological solstice this year, as for the first time since 1967 it coincided with a strawberry moon. Given its name by Native Americans who said it marked the start of the strawberry picking season, the rare event meant that the sun and moon were at opposite points in the sky. The event won’t happen again until 2062.

Kate Davies, Stonehenge general manager, said: "We are really, really pleased with the way things have gone. It has been peaceful with a calm and chilled atmosphere — an overall success.

"Our aim is to make solstice special for everyone, we have seen lots of families with children of all ages. Everybody is relaxed and has had a good time. People have not been inebriated, as they have been in previous years, and have respected the changes we introduced."

Police also kept a low profile leaving the security guards to deal with enforcing most of the order at the stones.

Only two arrests were made, although a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and transported to Melksham. The other arrest was for a 33-year-old woman from Burford for drink driving. A man was given a fixed penalty notice for a drug offence.

Supt Mark Sellers, said: “The policing operation this year focused on protecting the monument and environment by maintaining the integrity of the road network, minimising any impact on local communities and ultimately supporting English Heritage to ensure a safe and peaceful event for all."

One person who was not in attendance though was senior druid King Arthur Pendragon refused to go to the festivities due to the changes that were made by English Heritage this year. Instead going to the celebrations at Avebury.

“I managed to block off one lane for a couple of hours but unfortunately they had four more,” he said.

“We will be 'stepping up' the protest as I was illegally refused entry and was thereby unable to manifest my religious beliefs on the occasion of the Summer Solstice at my place of worship.

“I will not 'Pay to Pray' not this year not any year.”