20,000 Gather at Stonehenge for Summer Solstice Sunrise Amid Heat Warning

Approximately 20,000 people gathered at Stonehenge on the morning of Sunday, June 21, 2026, to observe the summer solstice sunrise. m. at the prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England.

M. The neolithic monument, constructed around 3100 BC, is aligned with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset. Before dawn, visitors created a purple light display and placed their hands on the stones.

As the first rays filtered through the morning mist, attendees played traditional instruments and took photographs. Georgia Butters, English Heritage's head of Stonehenge, said the gathering brings people together from near and far. "It was wonderful to see families and friends taking part in this joyous experience," she said.

She added that English Heritage looks forward to welcoming returning visitors and newcomers to the 2027 solstice celebrations. Solstice gatherings also took place at Parliament Hill in London and Glastonbury Tor in Somerset on the same morning. Hundreds watched an orange sunrise emerge from behind clouds at Glastonbury Tor.

The Met Office issued a severe high-temperature warning covering the East and West Midlands, eastern and south-western England, Wales, and London beginning June 21. Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates stated on June 20 that the heat will expand and intensify, with temperatures expected to reach 32 °C on Monday, June 22, and 35 °C on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 23–24.

High humidity levels will make conditions feel particularly uncomfortable, with tropical nights likely in urban areas.

Temperatures in Salisbury were forecast to hit 28 °C on the day of the solstice.