Druids, pagans and other revellers on Friday prepared to descend upon Stonehenge to celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
Large crowds were expected to gather at Salisbury Plain, where they will also mark the end of the 5,125-year “Long Count” cycle of the Mayan calendar, which some fear may spell the end of the world.
Druid leader King Arthur Pendragon said he would be make a “political statement”, calling for “an end to war, an end to economic slavery and, basically, a cleaner, greener planet.”
English Heritage will allow access to the site from the early morning, even though the actual moment of solstice will not occur until 11:11 am.
National Trust General manager Jan Tomlin said: “We suggest that anybody wanting to celebrate the solstice should bring extra layers to wear, check the weather forecast before you go and, if you are visiting with friends, stay together.”
Revellers gather for Stonehenge solstice
