Summer solstice at Stonehenge - in pictures

Revellers gather before dawn to celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge in Wiltshire. The pagan festival, which dates back 5,000 years, celebrates the longest day of the year when the sun is at its maximum elevation in the northern hemisphere Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

Modern druids gather every year to see the sun rise on the first morning of summer including Arthur Uther Pendragon Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

But druids are not alone within the stone circle. This year, more than 20,000 people were there too, creating a carnival atmosphere amid the megalithic stones Photograph: Lewis Whyld/PA

Here comes the sun ... sort of Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

The celebrations take on a Glastonbury of old flavour Photograph: Lewis Whyld/PA

Even a whole range of caterers turned up to feed the summer solstice-goers Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Material has a memory … a reveller takes a hands-on approach during the celebrations Photograph: Dylan Martinez/Reuters

Solstice reveller known as 'Mad Al' joins druids, pagans and other party-goers Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Grey skies overhead, but still plenty to smile about Photograph: Lewis Whyld/PA

Technically, they may not have actually seen the sun rise, but they look like they've had a decent time Photograph: Lewis Whyld/PA

A mound of rubbish is collected as the fun dies down Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images