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Stonehenge prepares to mark the summer solstice Stonehenge revellers mark summer solstice
(about 17 hours later)
Hundreds of people are expected to gather at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice. Thousands of people have gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice despite overcast skies.
Pagans and druids witness the sunrise on the longest day of the year at the prehistoric site marking the event with religious ceremonies. Cloud cover meant pagans and druids were unable to witness the sunrise on the longest day of the year.
A 22ft (6.70m) figure, called Ancestor is being moved to the stones ahead of the solstice celebrations. Wiltshire Police said despite the rain it had been a "positive experience" for most revellers.
Officers made 20 arrests for theft, drugs or alcohol-related offences and more than 100 people received cautions for cannabis use or possession.
A spokeswoman said: "As with every year, sadly there was a small minority who were determined to disregard the law. These people were dealt with robustly."
BBC reporter Will Walder said thousands of people had braved the overnight rain to gather at Stonehenge.
"At 4:52 am people were looking from left to right to try to see the sun and people had to resort to watches and mobile phones to mark the moment," he added.
A 22ft (6.70m) figure, called Ancestor, was moved to the stones ahead of the solstice celebrations.
The seven tonne steel statue depicts a man with his "head thrown back and arms open wide".The seven tonne steel statue depicts a man with his "head thrown back and arms open wide".
After the solstice it will be dismantled and taken to Salisbury for the Olympic torch event.After the solstice it will be dismantled and taken to Salisbury for the Olympic torch event.
'Pretty soggy'
There have been warnings of heavy rain and possible thunder over Stonehenge.
BBC West Weatherman Ian Fergusson said: "There's a strong likelihood some rain - still potentially heavy - will linger into daybreak tomorrow.
"So celebrations at the site may prove pretty soggy and overcast, before improving through the morning."
Wiltshire Police are working with English Heritage to make sure appropriate security measures are in place for the celebrations.
As with previous years, there will be amnesty bins available outside the event and drugs dogs will be at both Stonehenge and Avebury.As with previous years, there will be amnesty bins available outside the event and drugs dogs will be at both Stonehenge and Avebury.
"It is unacceptable for anyone attending this event to have to suffer violence, disorder, drink and drug related offences or general anti social behaviour," said a police spokesman. Entry to the monument in Wiltshire will be closed until 09:00 BST on Friday.
Entry to the monument in Wiltshire will be closed from 15:00 BST until 09:00 BST on Friday.