THOUSANDS of people gathered at Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice celebrations.

English Heritage welcomed about 9,500 visitors to the site ready to watch the beautiful sunrise.

Kate Davies, the director of Stonehenge, said: "Celebrating summer solstice is one of the highlights of the year at Stonehenge. It’s a great opportunity for friends and families to come together and mark the longest day of the year, as people have done for thousands of years.

“There was a lovely, friendly atmosphere throughout, the sun shone, and dawn was met with loud cheers.

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

“We look forward to welcoming people to the Summer Solstice again next year.”

Wiltshire Police say the event passed "extremely peascefully" with no arrests being made at Stonehenge.

Superintendent Dave Minty, who led the policing operation for the event, said "We are really pleased with how Solstice 2018 has gone, it really has been a great success.

“English Heritage welcomed approximately 9,500 people at Stonehenge, and the majority of those who came to celebrate the longest day of the year did so in a safe and peaceful manner.

“There was a really great atmosphere and we are really pleased to say there were no arrests at Stonehenge.

“Approximately 600 people joined the celebrations in Avebury which also saw the public embracing the spirit of Summer Solstice."

Two people were arrested at Avebury - a man aged 30 was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and remains in police custody, and a man aged 25 was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. He has since been released with no further action.

Superintendent Minty added: “The joint approach to planning the event with Wiltshire Council, security staff, the Highways Agency and English Heritage is key to ensuring visitors to Summer Solstice have a safe and enjoyable time and we look forward to Solstice 2019."