In 1998 an English Heritage subcommittee voted on a policy that was to re-open Stonehenge, the idea being that only certain Druidic orders would be allowed to celebrate at the stones.

This however was strongly opposed to by the very people to which access was to be granted. It had been common knowledge that access should be for everyone Pagans and none Pagans alike.

Dawn at Stonehenge

Eventually it was announced that a piece of our religious heritage had been given back and access had been granted for all, so to mark that auspicious event in June 2001, 3000 revellers celebrated the Solstice at the stones.

Since then the event and religious gathering has grown and grown. In 2002 the numbers reached well over 21,000 with a massive procession lead by Birmingham based Pagans. Other revellers included Fire Eaters, Dancers, Drummers and representatives of many Pagan traditions from around the UK.

This year was no different. The crowd reached in excess of 30,000 and after a night of what seemed a million photographs the Druid "welcoming of the Sun" was performed.

Pagan ritual at dawn

After that, a ritual lead by the Birmingham Pagan community was conducted in front of many enthusiastic onlookers. In respect they stood silent all facing the rising sun, when the sacred text in honour of the Solstice was spoken.

As a Seax Wiccan it felt like coming home, our ancestors had lived, died and worshiped here and that connection was felt by many souls that day.
In this mad and stressful world it is essential that we connect with our past, the spirit of these islands and peoples runs through us all.

Our ancestors connected with nature and the cycles of life they had a freedom that can truly live on in our hearts so be loud and proud and have the best Solstice ever.