As the winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, crowds flocked to Stonehenge in Wiltshire to witness the sunrise.

At 08:09 GMT, the sun graced the horizon, while it is expected to set at 16:02 GMT, signifying the culmination of the solstice celebrations for this year.

In the northern hemisphere, the Earth's axis reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun on this day, defining the unique significance of the winter solstice.

This event grants a special opportunity as English Heritage allows visitors closer access to the stones, a rarity for most of the year.

Dressed in robes and headdresses, attendees arrived early to witness the symbolic rebirth of the sun, celebrating the winter solstice known as Yule in various cultures worldwide—a festivity symbolizing light and renewal.

Wiltshire Police reported heavy traffic on nearby roads due to the influx of people gathering for the event, causing congestion in Stonehenge's car park, which reached full capacity.

The World Heritage site of Stonehenge provided the backdrop for these vibrant celebrations, with hundreds joining in to witness the sunrise. Police advised motorists to consider alternative routes as delays were expected throughout the morning due to the gathering crowds." Photo by Michal Osmenda from Brussels, Belgium, Wikimedia commons.