Peaceful solstice is celebrated at Stonehenge

Stonehenge rang to the sound of jungle drums and jazz saxophone yesterday as thousands thronged the monument to mark the summer solstice.

Stonehenge rang to the sound of jungle drums and jazz saxophone yesterday as thousands thronged the monument to mark the summer solstice.

About 21,000 braved chilly temperatures see the sun rising between the stones. Wiltshire Police made a "handful" of arrests for public order offences.

The Druid leader "King Arthur Pendragon" presided, standing amid a ring of torches overshadowed by a pair of giant horns, lit by burning branches. He said: "The fire symbolically welcomes the sun for the longest day of the year, part of the seasonal wheelwhich we as druids and pagans celebrate."

Peter Carson, English Heritage's head of Stonehenge, said: "We are delighted people have been able to enjoy the solstice in a safe and peaceful manner."