SUN worshippers are preparing to celebrate the annual Summer Solstice at Stonehenge.
At 04.58 tomorrow an estimated 20,000 people will witness the sunrise following an all-night party at the ancient stone circle on Salisbury Plain.
Every summer the event draws an eclectic mix including Druids, hippies and hedonists as well as people who want to experience what has become a traditional start to the longest day of the year. English Heritage, which manages the 5,000-year-old site, allows people to gather around the stones for the annual event.
In recent years curious things have happened when the sun appears over the Heel Stone to the sound of beating Pagan drums.
Revellers have been known to frolic naked. Some chant, some shout, while others sit meditating. Wiltshire Police will be attending this years event to ensure order is maintained.
A force spokesman said: "We're expecting between 20,000 and 25,000 people. A lot will probably arrive in the early hours of the morning after having watched England play Sweden."
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A spokesman for English Heritage said: "Were hoping for a great sunrise. Last year's was spectacular. There's always a good atmosphere here."
A smaller crowd is also expected to gather 30 miles away at the ancient stones in Avebury, where solstice celebrations are traditionally said to be more chilled-out than those at Stonehenge.
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