Stonehenge is a landmark that brings in many visitors from around the world every year, and it's a special occasion for it when the autumn equinox comes around.

Hundreds of people are set to witness the event for its 2023 occurrence, which marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

Most of the year the Sun illuminates either the northern or southern hemisphere more depending on where the planet is on its orbit, but at two points in the year it illuminates both equally which is where you get the equinoxes.

Here's all you need to know for the Stonehenge autumn equinox event, such as where it takes place and what goes on there.

When is the autumn equinox 2023?

The autumnal equinox is set to take place at 7.49am on Saturday, September 23.

What happens at Stonehenge on the autumn equinox?

Druids and Pagans gather at Stonehenge early in the morning to mark the equinox and to see the sunrise above the stones, which is meant to be a great sight.

Stonehenge Tours describes it as "an ad hoc celebration that brings together England's New Age Tribes (neo-druids, neo-pagans, Wiccans) with ordinary families, tourists, travelers".

They add: "For many the impulse to arrive at Stonehenge in time for the Equinox is a little like all those people drawn to the strange rock in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

"It's akin to a spiritual experience. Anyone who has witnessed the crowd become silent as the sky begins to brighten can attest to that."

Why is Stonehenge linked to the equinoxes?

English Heritage says that Stonehenge "was built to align with the sun on the solstices" as part of the astrological calendar.

It's also why the stones line up for the equinoxes as it is another event that is linked with the Sun.

Additionally, it's also said that those who erected the landmark did so for people to know the best time to breed cattle as well as plant and harvest crops.

English Heritage adds: "On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone in the north-east part of the horizon and its first rays shine into the heart of Stonehenge. On the winter solstice, the sun sets to the south-west of the stone circle."