By sunset last night, 2,000 people had gathered to keep vigil. By 5am, 21,000 people were greeting the sunrise 44574

Buy us a cup of coffee

This photo stored at: first day of summer 2013

The stone circle was open to the public for the solstice celebrations, and is usually protected by a cordon - high-definition photo for free download.

first day of summer 2013 alberta

first day of summer 2013

June 21 is the longest day of the calendar year, with daylight hours getting shorter from now on 44573

By sunset last night, 2,000 people had gathered to keep vigil. By 5am, 21,000 people were greeting the sunrise 44574

first day of summer 2013

June 21 is the longest day of the calendar year, with daylight hours getting shorter from now on 44573

More than 20,000 people descended on Stonehenge to greet the sunrise on the longest day of the year. 44575

Revellers rise at dawn to celebrate the solstice with drumming and dancing 44571

First day of summer 2013 (and winter): a Google Doodle salute 44570

The solstice is a rare chance for members of the public to walk among the ancient Wiltshire stone circle 44572

First day of summer 2013: What is a solstice anyway? 44569

First day of summer 2013 has nothing on northern Norway's 60 days of sun 44576