Summer Solstice 2020: Best photos as Pagans celebrate the longest day of the year

People celebrate the summer solstice with bonfires, yoga and religious ceremonies

The summer solstice is almost here, which means people in the northern hemisphere will soon enjoy the longest day of the year.

This year, the summer solstice, which Google is celebrating with a Doodle, takes place on Saturday 20 June, at which point the sun will reach its highest altitude.

In addition to marking the beginning of summer, the solstice usually brings people out to enjoy the warm weather and celebrate the day.

However, the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown means this year’s celebrations at Stonehenge, which normally attract up to 10,000 people, have been cancelled.

English Heritage will be streaming the sunrise online instead.

For some, the arrival of the summer solstice is a time to celebrate the yearly journey through the seasons, while those who follow paganism consider the day a sacred holiday.

From gatherings at Stonehenge to bonfires and festivals, these are photos of past summer solstice celebrations.