This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg349e4q22o

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Winter solstice celebrated at Stonehenge Winter solstice celebrated at historic sites
(about 3 hours later)
Stonehenge was built to align with the sun on the solstices Special access is allowed to the ancient Stonehenge monument during the solstice
Hundreds of people have gathered at Stonehenge to see the winter solstice sunrise.Hundreds of people have gathered at Stonehenge to see the winter solstice sunrise.
From 21 December, the shortest day of the year, the nights will slowly start to draw back again and the days will gradually become longer.From 21 December, the shortest day of the year, the nights will slowly start to draw back again and the days will gradually become longer.
The ancient site, which is managed by English Heritage, opened its Monument Field at 07:45 GMT so crowds could see the sunrise over the iconic stones.The ancient site, which is managed by English Heritage, opened its Monument Field at 07:45 GMT so crowds could see the sunrise over the iconic stones.
The sun rose at Stonehenge at approximately 08:09 and is due to set at 16:02, meaning there will be little under eight hours of daylight.The sun rose at Stonehenge at approximately 08:09 and is due to set at 16:02, meaning there will be little under eight hours of daylight.
Although the length of the day in hours and minutes will vary across the UK, the daylight hours will be less than half the length of the longest day of the year, 21 June, which is summer solstice.Although the length of the day in hours and minutes will vary across the UK, the daylight hours will be less than half the length of the longest day of the year, 21 June, which is summer solstice.
Among those at the winter solstice celebrations at Stonehenge were Martin and his son, Oliver. The stones at Stonehenge are deliberately placed to line up with the Sun's movements during the two solstices, marking the changing of the seasons.
It was Oliver's first time, both at Stonehenge and marking solstice, and Martin said the celebrations offered his son "a different perspective". Because of the connection with the Sun's movement, and due to burials uncovered at the site, it is believed to have played a spiritual role.
"It's new beginnings, new dawn, new hope," he said. Usually, access to the stones for large crowds of people is prohibited, but English Heritage opens up the site for the summer and winter solstices to allow revellers to celebrate the occasion.
"In the cold winter, the spring's coming, and I think that sends a very positive message." The stones associated with the site are thought to have been placed there around 2,500 BC.
In Avebury, which is home to another stone circle, two men wearing cloaks could be seen blowing horns as people gathered to watch the sunrise over the fields. Hundreds of people came to the stones to mark the occasion
In nearby Avebury, which is home to another ancient stone circle, two men wearing cloaks could be seen blowing horns as people gathered to watch the sunrise over the fields.
Near the stone circle there is a group of beech trees which people tie ribbons to.Near the stone circle there is a group of beech trees which people tie ribbons to.
This is a pagan tradition known as "wishing trees", done as prayers to the tree spirits or in the memory of loved ones.This is a pagan tradition known as "wishing trees", done as prayers to the tree spirits or in the memory of loved ones.
Glastonbury Tor also saw celebrations this morning
In Somerset, Glastonbury Tor also saw crowds of people climbing the hill earlier this morning to mark the sun rising.
The Tor is part of the ruins of the 15th Century St Michael's Church, and rises 518ft (158m) above the Somerset Levels to give a panoramic view of Wells, the Bristol Channel, Wiltshire, the Polden Hills and Exmoor.
It is regarded by some as a spiritual site just like Stonehenge.
At the top of the hill, a fire was lit and songs were sung by people gathered there.
Stonehenge won't see crowds like this again until June 21 2025
Get in touchGet in touch
Tell us which stories we should cover in WiltshireTell us which stories we should cover in Wiltshire
Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.