Thousands gathered at Stonehenge in the early hours to mark the winter solstice and observe the sunrise, continuing a longtime tradition at the site.

The event reinforces Stonehenge’s ceremonial role tied to astronomical alignment, seasonal change, and burials, underscoring its cultural and historical significance beyond architecture.

Participants sang, beat drums, and reflected among the stones, turning the moment into a communal celebration and spiritual experience.

Practical details and audience guidance accompany coverage, including how to share photos and watch live, with organizers stressing care for the lichens and carvings.

Personal anecdotes highlight reverence, with families traveling long distances and participants performing Morris dances to mark the turning of the year.

International and cultural perspectives emerge in quotes from attendees, noting solstice celebrations’ diverse significance around the world.

Pooya described home traditions of staying up with family and pomegranates, illustrating the ceremony’s wider cultural resonance as people from various regions celebrate the sun’s return together.

Officials note that days will gradually lengthen after the solstice, with daylight increasing in the weeks ahead.

Early arrivals and journeys to witness the sunrise are recounted, including overnight arrivals, a 61-km journey home by two friends, and a Nottingham family traveling at 2:00 a.m.

BBC Weather and coverage provide practical information on daylight duration, sunrise times, and how to watch the sunrise live, reflecting the broader coverage surrounding the solstice.

Visitors report a sense of communal energy and renewal, with travelers from Edinburgh and Australia describing the atmosphere.

Two attendees emphasize the event’s personal significance: a traveler from Australia feeling awe at the stones, and a Persian Zoroastrian attending with family, viewing the celebration as a cross-cultural symbol of birth and return of light.