Tomorrow marks the arrival of the summer solstice – the longest day of the year.<\/p>\n
It marks the onset of summer, and it’s a cause for celebration. Each solstice thousands of people head to Stonehenge, which is famous for its alignment on sunrise on the special day. <\/p>\n
Tomorrow’s solstice will be taking place at 4:52am.<\/p>\n
According to Heritage England, the stones near Amesbury in Wiltshire were set up in about 2500 BC and designed to align with the movements of the sun.<\/p>\n
Standing in the centre of the monument at summer solstice, the sun rises just to the left of a large standing stone outside the stone circle, known as the Heel Stone, seen through a gap in the outer sarsen circle.<\/p>\n
The sarsen stones, put up in at the centre of the site in about 2500 BC, were carefully placed to line up with the movements of the sun. Credit: PA<\/p>\n
It is likely that people gathered at Stonehenge at both midsummer and midwinter solstices to conduct rituals and ceremonies relating to the changing seasons, the sun and the sky.<\/p>\n
The longest day of the year was likely a time of celebration, with warm nights and long daylight making it the perfect time to gather together.<\/p>\n
What’s the history of Stonehenge?<\/p>\n
The purpose of Stonehenge is unknown to us. It has no obvious practical purpose. <\/p>\n
It was not lived in and could not have been defended, so there must have been a spiritual reason why Neolithic and Bronze Age people put so much effort into building it. <\/p>\n
Many theories have been put forward over the years, but no one truly knows.<\/p>\n
Library pictures Credit: Wiltshire Police <\/p>\n
Marking the movements of the sun was clearly important to the people who built Stonehenge, as they went to such great lengths to align the monument with them. <\/p>\n
But we have few clues as to what they did here. <\/p>\n
How do I get there?<\/p>\n
There will be parking on site, as well as a regular bus service from Salisbury city centre. English Heritage is urging drivers to avoid abandoning their cars. <\/p>\n
Any cars parked illegally or causing an obstruction are warned that they will be towed away.<\/p>\n
English Heritage is urging visitors to report anything concerning, or to seek help from any of the security or stewarding team which will be on duty.<\/p>\n
The Wiltshire Police and the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust will also be in attendance to ensure the smooth running of Summer Solstice.<\/p>\n
Where can I watch the solstice?<\/p>\n