Crowds gather for the solstice

Thoughts of Shizuoka at the Stonehenge solstice

The revellers were an eclectic mix of new age travellers, druids, hare-krishnas and others, who celebrated the summer solstice amid a cloud of smoke and incense haze.

There were an estimated 22,000 people at Stonehenge on Friday and police reported just 11 arrests, mainly for drink and drugs offences.

The dawn, although hidden by thick cloud, was greeted by the assembled crowds with a cacophony of gongs, drums, whistles and whoops.

This was only the third time in more than a decade that the stones have been open to the public for the summer solstice.

Exclusion zone

People started to gather at the site on Thursday night and were later allowed to congregate near the stones themselves.

In the past, clashes between crowds and the police - culminating in pitched battle in 1985 - led to a four-mile exclusion zone being set up around the site.

Vantage points were at a premium in the crowd

Superintendent Jeremy Wickham, who ran the police operation said: "It's fair to say the majority of people have been very well behaved and there has been a good atmosphere.

"There have been the odd bits and pieces, most of them drink or drug related, but I think we have learnt our lesson about how to do things over the years."

The day's other big event, England versus Brazil, was also celebrated with fans standing on the stones and some watching a portable television.

Throughout the dawn ceremony, the assembled Kings Drums group banged out a rhythm in their torch-lit parade akin to a Brazilian samba.

'Knives and goblets'

Traditional British witch John Rothwell said the atmosphere had been good.

Mr Rothwell, 39, a computer technician from Telford said: "It's such a cool place to be.

"People have been doing this since year dot, even though we have no written records of why.

"Everybody needs a reason to gather together, a place of reverence."

Chemist Dean Feebry, 27, from Staines said: "There's a very bizarre mix of people here, witches and druids with knives drinking out of silver goblets.

"But it's good, it's quite a spiritual place."

Early morning rainfall quickly dispersed the crowds with many expected to be trying to get away to watch the football.

They left English Heritage to reflect on a successful event.

Stonehenge director Clews Everard said: "There's been a really wonderful atmosphere and everyone seems to have been having a good time.

"It's good to see so many people of all different ages, classes, types and creeds enjoying themselves."