21 June 2011 Last updated at 09:27 ET

Arrests at Stonehenge summer solstice celebration

Revellers watch the sunrise over Stonehenge

About 20 people were arrested for minor drug offences during summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge.

English Heritage said more than 18,000 revellers gathered at the prehistoric site in Wiltshire to witness the sunrise on the longest day of the year.

Cloudy conditions obscured the sunrise which occurred over the ancient stone circle at 0452 BST.

St John Ambulance treated 60 casualties on site for minor injuries and transported four to hospital.

The event is significant for pagans and druids, who mark it with religious ceremonies.

Pagan roots

Arthur Pendragon, a senior druid, said many non-pagans were taking an interest in pagan beliefs.

"A lot of people are here and asking the right questions about paganism and about nature and about the cycle of the event," he said.

One reveller, Lynn, who had travelled from Middlesbrough said the journey was "well worth it".

"This is my retirement present. To me it's something I've always wanted to do and never been able to because of work commitments," she said.

"It's just wonderful to be here and be able to get so close to them [stones]. Just wonderful."

The sunrise was also experienced by hundreds at the ancient stone circle at Avebury, Wiltshire.