Summer Solstice 2016: Thousands travel to Stonehenge for the longest day of the year

12,000 people celebrate at the ancient Wiltshire monument

Thousands of people have gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

Approximately 12,000 people are attending the celebration at the historic Wiltshire monument throughout the day and night.

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, with daylight lasting around 17 hours in the UK - and this year it coincides with a Strawberry Moon.

This year, the solstice coincides with the Strawberry Moon, first named by Native Americans referring to a full moon that marks the beginning of strawberry season. The two only coincide once every 70 years.

On the day of the Summer Solstice, the rising sun will perfectly align with the stones each year, shining on a central altar; this special significance makes Stonehenge the UK’s most popular destination for solstice revellers.

Although thousands have flocked to the ancient stones, many more appear to be staying away this year. The number of revellers in attendance has fallen by half.

English Heritage, for the first time, charged entry to the park for the solstice Festival - £25 per head with additional tent or van pitching fees - and there is also a blanket ban on alcohol, drugs and pets.

Those who went were able to enjoy music, dancing, drumming and the sight of the Strawberry Moon rising over the stones on the longest day of the year.