By Emeka Blast 
Thousands Endure Heat for Summer Solstice Sunrise
Thousands of revelers gathered at Stonehenge in the early hours of Saturday, June 21, 2025, to witness the summer solstice sunrise, defying sweltering early morning temperatures during the UK’s first official heatwave of the year. The iconic Neolithic monument, a World Heritage site, welcomed a vibrant crowd for the annual celebration of the longest day, marked by traditional drumming, chanting, and a breathtaking sunrise aligned with the ancient stones.
English Heritage, which manages the site, reported a significant turnout, with estimates suggesting up to 15,000 attendees, though some social media posts claimed as many as 25,000. The event was livestreamed, drawing over 200,000 global viewers, as people from modern druids to international tourists came together to honor the astronomical event. The solstice, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, saw the sunrise at 4:52 AM BST, with sunlight streaming through the Heel Stone into the heart of the Stone Circle.
Despite temperatures reaching 18°C in Salisbury by 5:00 AM—unusually warm due to a heatwave peaking at 34°C across the UK—attendees remained undeterred. The Met Office confirmed that Yeovilton, Somerset, and Crosby, Merseyside, recorded overnight highs of 19.7°C, while an amber heat-health alert remains in place until Monday, June 23, warning of risks to vulnerable groups. A yellow thunderstorm warning for northern England, the Midlands, and Wales from 3:00 PM Saturday to 4:00 AM Sunday added concerns about potential travel disruptions for returning visitors.
Jennifer Wexler, English Heritage curator, described the event as “one of our most special moments,” noting that Stonehenge has been a solstice gathering place for millennia. “People have been marking this day here for thousands of years, celebrating the sun at its highest,” she said. The atmosphere was festive, with participants engaging in rituals and soaking in the spiritual significance of the 5,000-year-old monument.
Beyond Stonehenge, solstice celebrations took place across the UK. In Tynemouth’s King Edward’s Bay, crowds gathered for a sunrise event, while in Dawlish, South Devon, about 60 people joined a sunrise swim despite cloudy skies. Cullercoats Bay in North Tyneside also saw early risers capturing the moment.
The heatwave, driven by a high-pressure system pulling warm air from Western Europe, has broken records, with Friday, June 20, hitting 32.2°C, the hottest day of 2025. However, the Met Office warns of cooler, unsettled weather arriving Sunday, with temperatures dropping to the mid-20s. The UK’s driest spring in over a century has heightened flood risks from potential downpours, while a 717% surge in wildfires in 2025 prompted fire safety warnings.
Authorities ensured robust security at Stonehenge following recent incidents, such as the Palestine Action break-in at RAF Brize Norton, with no disruptions reported. English Heritage urged attendees to stay hydrated and prepared for the heat, with medical support on-site.
As the crowd dispersed, social media buzzed with images and reflections, with @BBCWiltshire sharing live coverage and @ST0NEHENGE celebrating the event’s resilience amid 34°C heat. The solstice underscored Stonehenge’s enduring allure, uniting people in a timeless tradition despite challenging conditions.
