This year's summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of people routinely gather at the neolithic Wiltshire monument on Salisbury Plain to observe the rising of the midsummer sun on the longest day of the year, which typically falls on or around June 21.
But restrictions on public gatherings rolled out as part of the Covid-19 national lockdown mean the event will not be able to take place this summer.
English Heritage, which manages the site, said the sunrise will, however, be streamed online for those still wanting to view the spectacle.
Stonehenge director Nichola Tasker, said she expected the move would not come as a "huge surprise" given the "sheer number of major events worldwide which have already been cancelled across the summer, from Glastonbury to the Olympics to Oktoberfest".
"But we know how much summer solstice at Stonehenge means to so many people," Ms Tasker was quoted as saying by the local Salisbury Journal newspaper.
“We have consulted widely on whether we could have proceeded safely and we would have dearly liked to host the event as per usual, but sadly in the end, we feel we have no choice but to cancel.”
She added: "We hope that our live stream offers an alternative opportunity for people near and far to connect with this spiritual place at such a special time of year and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.
"We know how strong the draw to come is for some people, but I would take this opportunity to say please do not travel to Stonehenge this summer solstice, but watch it online instead.”
Stonehenge has been closed to the public since mid-March amid the coronavirus crisis.
The summer solstice traditionally marks one of the rare occasions that English Heritage opens up the stone circle for public access.
Visitors at most other times of the year are usually kept at least 5m away from the ancient sarsen stones and bluestones.
