Summer Solstice Celebrations Take Place at Stonehenge

June 21, 2004

Source: Scotsman.com/PA News

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3092924

On June 21, 2004 PA News reported, "The ancient arches of Stonehenge rang to the sound of jungle drums and jazz saxophone today as thousands thronged the monument to mark the summer solstice. About 21,000 people opted to banish Monday morning blues and brave the chilly temperatures to catch a glimpse of the sun rising between the ancient stones. With druids and the occasional punk mingling happily with tourists and students, the atmosphere was a far cry from the angry scenes between police and revellers a decade ago. By dawn Wiltshire Police had made only a 'handful' of arrests, all for public order offences...Inside the ring itself, thousands packed tightly around groups of drummers and other musicians while some took the opportunity to sprawl on the ancient stones normally beyond public reach. But the focus of the activity before dawn was on an impromptu open-air dance next to the famous Heal Stone, the marker for sunrise on summer solstice. Druid leader 'King Arthur Pendragon' presided over the festivities standing amid a ring of flaming torches overshadowed by a pair of giant horns, themselves lit by burning branches. While the costumes harked back to ancient Britons, the music ranged from jungle to jazz. And while some held flaming torches and wooden staffs aloft, others waved digital cameras and hand-rolled cigarettes."