Several Druids. They asked me for a “$5-er” to take their image. I gracefully declined, but they still said, “Go ahead, but no alcohol in the image!”
I’ve been to some very interesting events in my life, but I’ll admit, celebrating the summer solstice at Stonehenge takes the cake. 364 days a year Stonehenge is a pretty tame place and visitors are generally restricted from coming anywhere near the rocks. However, during summer solstice the barricades are removed from sunset to sunrise and the English Heritage Foundation (Historic Preservation Group) allows managed open access to the general public under the following conditions–“we support all individuals and groups conducting their own forms of ceremony and celebration providing that they are mutually respectful and tolerant of one another. It is a place seen by many as a sacred site – therefore please respect it and those attending.” In a nutshell, you get to walk right into the circle with hundreds of other people, some of whom consider it a sacred time and place, and watch the sunset and sunrise.
Needless, to say Stonehenge draws in a very interesting crowd of people. Some of the people come to enjoy a nice evening with their families, while others come to participate in the many ceremonies and rituals conducted by the Druids. It was by far one of the most interesting “people watching” events I’ve been to in recent years. Some people came dressed in official Druid garb, while others simply wore costumes to join in the festivities. There’s quite a bit of drinking involved – although one of the druids that I took a photo of wanted to be clear that there was no alcohol in the photograph – so it seemed the true believers do not partake. Overall it was just a very happy, fun-loving gathering of people enjoying a good time. It felt a bit like a mash-up of Dungeons and Dragons, Woodstock, and good old fashioned house party. In the end, I think it ended up being the highlight of our Europe trip and from many accounts possibly the last time the English Heritage Foundation will open Stonehenge up to the general public during the summer solstice.
Here are are a few of my favorite images from the night:
Merlin, the High Chieftain of the Druid Order
Many feel that the rocks have magical or healing powers.
A very nice family visiting Stonehenge and taking part in the festival for the very first time.
Police and security roamed the area making sure things were under control. Marijuana use seemed to be their main focus, as well as keeping the peace.
One of the many rituals taking place around the rocks in Stonehenge.
Stonehenge and it’s several hundred guest waiting for the sun to set.
The Ancestor – a welded figure that supposedly is currently for sale on Ebay!
It’s not a party until someone breaks out the glowing bowling-pins!
The best part of this costume was when he had to try and go into the porta-john. Needless to say, he had a bit of a struggle. 
Much like my small town county fair, ”you see it all” — but I love my hometown county fair!
Stonehenge is on my bucket list. But what a shame with all those people around. How are you supposed to get any good shots?
Steve, it ended up being one of those things that I just decided the mission was people photography. I’m hoping I’ll get another chance in the coming years..:)
hmmmm… I have to agree w/Steve, I don’t think I’d enjoy it so much with all that going on…
I don’t worship rocks, but I do love them and would love to see Stonehenge “someday”.
Deborah,
I totally understand and realize the event probably wouldn’t be for everyone but it was interesting..;)
Glad you enjoyed the experience, even though the weather was pretty miserable!
I was driving round the wider landscape in a beaten up landrover all night stopping people camping on important archaeological barrows or lighting fires in woodlands. I then spent the morning picking up bottles, cans, sleeping bags, umbrellas and other trash that pose a danger to our livestock once the people have all headed off to their beds. It’s a pretty long day! The National Trust own and look after the wider stonehenge landscape, English Heritage just manage the stones themselves.
It’s not exactly a spritual event, the summer solstice. If you ever get chance, try to make the winter solstice, no porta loos, no crowds, no generators and floodlights. If the weather plays ball, the winter one is quite special.
Other than that, the countryside is littered with special plces if you know where to look; stone circles at Stanton Drew are pretty amazing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanton_Drew) as are some smaller ones along the Dorset Coastline (but you’d have to pore over maps to find them).
Malcolm