The summer solstice sunrise at Stonehenge attracts around 15,000 visitors

About 15,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to watch the summer solstice sunrise.

It is one of the rare occasions when people can get up close to the stones at the historic site near Salisbury in Wiltshire.

English Heritage removed the paint with a specialist air blower, but if the rain had come into contact with it there could have been significant damage.

The charity’s director of historic properties, Kate Logan, said: “I think everyone who attended the solstice today was really excited to come and see the stones looking spectacular. The incident is now in the past.

“We are very pleased with the way the event went this year. We don’t often have such a glorious sunrise, but today we were very lucky.”

People come from all over the world to see the summer solstice at the 5,000-year-old site.

Tammy McCollam said she traveled about 5,000 miles from Washington, in the US, specifically for the event.

“It’s amazing. When I was able to touch the stones, it felt so emotional, unbelievable.

“I felt called to come, this is a bucket list trip.”

The site opened on Thursday evening and there was a crowd for sunset, with many staying through the night to see the sunrise on Friday morning.

The sound of drums and cheers from the crowd could be heard as the sun rose.

Druids and other members of the pagan community also gathered, the event being a spiritual time for many.

Carolyn Pare was one of the visitors and said, “There is a beautiful camaraderie and energy. It is a completely moving spiritual experience to be here.”

Wiltshire Police always have a presence at the event, but after the Just Stop Oil protest, Deputy Constable Craig Dibdin said they immediately reviewed their plans with the organizers and were happy with them.

DCC Dibdin said it was “very safe” with only one arrest for a minor assault.

“It was a really successful, humorous event,” he added.

Other West Country venues also attract solstice crowds, notably Avebury, also in Wiltshire, and Glastonbury Tor in Somerset.