Thousands expected at solstice

Last year more than 30,000 revellers turned up to mark the occasion and a similar number is expected this year, as the Solstice again falls on a weekend.

Peter Carson, head of Stonehenge at English Heritage, said: “We are very pleased to be welcoming people to Stonehenge once again to enjoy the Summer Solstice.

“This is the 10th year that English Heritage has provided free access to the stones and over the last decade the solstice has been a peaceful celebration enjoyed by thousands of people.

“This success is due to English Heritage working closely with the key partners and communities and together delivering an enjoyable and safe solstice.

“And, as with every year, we will balance the needs of those attending the solstice with our duty to protect the stone circle and its surrounding monuments.

“As the solstice falls on a Sunday morning this year, we are expecting more people than ever to travel to Stonehenge on Saturday evening. It will be a very busy time on local roads and we urge as many people as possible to use public transport.”

Sunrise will occur at 4.58am on Sunday, June 21. National Heritage will open Stonehenge to the public from 7pm the previous day until 8am on Sunday.

The solstice car park, just off the A303 near Airman's Cross, will open from 7pm on Saturday, with last admission at 6am the following day.

Access to the stones and the car park will be free of charge and subject to conditions of entry, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/summersolstice for further details.

The Wilts & Dorset bus company will be running a regular bus service from Salisbury railway and bus stations to Stonehenge from 6.30pm Saturday through to 1.15am on Sunday.

A return service will operate from west Amesbury, which is within walking distance from Stonehenge, from 5am to 10am on Sunday.

For more information on the bus service, visit www.wdbus.co.uk or call 01983 827005.