AROUND 13,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise during the summer solstice.

Police said the celebrations were carried out in a "peaceful manner" with "only seven" arrests relating to drug offences.

It is the second year that alcohol was completed banned at the event and the second year that parking charges were in place.

Supt Dave Minty said: “As with previous years a large part of our work was in maintaining the road network, minimising any impact on local communities and of course in supporting operations both at Stonehenge and at Avebury.

“This year, following recent terror attacks in London and Manchester, we had an armed presence at Stonehenge along with high visibility patrols.

“Whilst there was not and still is no specific risk to Wiltshire or the region, we will always do what we can to ensure public safety and try to provide a reassuring presence for people who attend the event.

“This was a successful policing operation with only seven arrests and am glad that attendees were able to enjoy the celebrations in a friendly and positive manner as they waited for the sunrise.”

One man arrested has been released with no further action to be taken - the other six remain in custody at this time.

It remained warm throughout the night and the morning saw a beautiful sunrise which was greeted with loud cheers from the crowd.

Jennifer Davies, English Heritage's general manager of Stonehenge, said: "The Summer Solstice is a very special time at Stonehenge and we are delighted that so many people - young and old, including many families - came here to celebrate the longest day of the year.

"We'd like to thank everybody who helped to make it another memorable and good natured occasion and we look forward to seeing them again next year.

"We are pleased with how the celebrations have gone. This year we had extra security arrangements in place and we'd like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding with these.

"Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is a major operation and we couldn't do it without our partners, especially Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council."

Senior druid King Arthur Pendragon said since the parking charges and alcohol ban were introduced, numbers had halved.

In protest against the charges, he parked in Amesbury and walked to the event leading a ceremony outside the fence with around 20 druids. In “a sign of solidarity”, the group held hands with those on the inside to form a circle. 

He said: "People are statying away because of the new regime of charges and no alcohol - English Heritage is sanitising it. There was more spirit with us on the outside than inside - some people were climbing over the fence to join us."

For the full gallery of pictures click here.