Hundreds gathered at Stonehenge this morning to witness the first sunrise of the lighter days to come.

It is all to do with the winter solstice, as the UK saw its shortest day of the yesterday with only seven hours and forty-nine minutes of daylight. 

The festival represents new beginnings for people, and presents the opportunity for people to take a step back and reflect just before Christmas.

People travelled from all over the country to be at the monument.

28-year-old Alice Walker from Bournemouth said: “It’s so great to be a part of everything today. It’s amazing just to be in nature and feel that connection with it.”

Joe Adams from Southhampton said: “I’m here to celebrate freedom. It’s great to be here today. I’m feeling very optimistic about the year and welcoming the light.” 

Phil Brown, 29, from Bournemouth added: “It’s not my first winter solstice, but it’s my first winter solstice at Stonehenge.

“It’s totally lived up to my expectations. The sunrise is awesome.

"Everyone has their own reason for celebrating the day, and it will mean different things to everyone. It’s good to zone out from all the negativity and just come together.”

33-year-old Hannah Gough has been looking forward to the event all year.

She said: “It’s been really good. Beautiful colours. I’m just loving the atmosphere.”

Adding to the atmosphere was 30-year-old Rose Thomas who played her drum among the crowd. She has enjoyed seeing everyone else looking happy and having a good time, and thinks it is more important than ever to mark the occasion.

Wiltshire Times:

The day was extra special for 49-year-old Debbie Osborne from London who brought her son to see the solstice for the first time.

She said: “He’s loved it. It’s been amazing. It’s just really nice to feel a part of something, and take a break.

“It’s our culture, isn’t it. It’s nice to follow other cultures as well as know a bit about your own."

Adding to the atmosphere was 30-year-old Rose Thomas who played her drum among the crowd. She has enjoyed seeing everyone else looking happy and having a good time, and thinks it is more important than ever to mark the occasion.