Druids DEFY Covid ban at Stonehenge: Police move on hundreds at Neolithic site on summer solstice as English Heritage axes Facebook feed showing sunrise amid chaos

• e-mail

Police dispersed a gathering of druids and sun-worshippers at Stonehenge early this morning as crowds defied coronavirus restrictions to celebrate the Summer Solstice at the ancient Wiltshire monument. 

Around 200 revellers waving banners reading 'Standing for Stonehenge' ignored advice not to travel to the neolithic site at around 4.30am to watch the sun rise on what would have been so-called 'Freedom Day'. 

English Heritage then deliberately pulled a live feed of the solstice at Stonehenge, disappointing thousands who had tuned into its Facebook and YouTube pages only to find pre-recorded footage instead.

Wiltshire Police officers dispersed the gathering and arrested one woman in her 50s on suspicion of drunk and disorderly behaviour and has since been released with no further action. 

The English Heritage live feed at Stonehenge returned at around 5am, showing mostly cloudy skies. 

People are removed by police officers after a crowd entered the closed site at Stonehenge on June 21, 2021

A large number of people enter the closed site at Stonehenge on June 21, 2021, in Amesbury

People inside the stone-circle during Summer Solstice at Stonehenge in Amesbury

Security looks on as people run to Stonehenge ancient stone circle during the Summer Solstice celebrations

Revellers hold a banner at Stonehenge ancient stone circle during the Summer Solstice celebrations

Hundreds of revellers see in the dawn on the longest day of the year at Avebury Stone Circle

A person looks up as she attends the celebration of the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

A large number of people enter the closed site at Stonehenge on June 21, 2021, in Amesbury

A security guard looks on after a large number of people enter the closed site at Stonehenge on June 21, 2021

People are removed by police officers after a crowd entered the closed site at Stonehenge on June 21, 2021, in Amesbury

People are removed by police officers after a crowd entered the closed site at Stonehenge on June 21, 2021, in Amesbury

Police dispersed a gathering of druids and sun-worshippers at Stonehenge early this morning as crowds defied coronavirus restrictions to celebrate the Summer Solstice at the ancient Wiltshire monument

A woman plays with a hula hoop as security personnel stand guard at Stonehenge

Revellers gather to celebrate the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge despite official events being cancelled

A woman sits on the ground as security stand guard during the celebrations of the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

Hundreds of revellers see in the dawn on the longest day of the year at Avebury Stone Circle

Hundreds of revellers see in the dawn on the longest day of the year at Avebury Stone Circle

People look at the sunrise during the celebrations of the Summer Solstice

A group of friends sit and watch the sunrise on the morning of the summer solstice at Saltburn

The sun rises over the North Sea on the morning of the summer solstice at Saltburn beach

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, as the tilt of Earth's axis aligns with the Sun. It began today at 04.31am UK time. But it can occur between June 20 and June 22, depending on when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 12pm

When is the Summer Solstice 2021? 

Two friends stand and watch the sunrise on the morning of the summer solstice at Saltburn beach

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, as the tilt of Earth's axis aligns with the Sun.

It began today at 04.31am UK time. But it can occur between June 20 and June 22, depending on when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer at midday.   

After June 21, the nights will begin to close in as the planet rotates, with the Northern Hemisphere tilting further from the Sun.

Advertisement

Apologising for the outage, host Ed Shires said: 'I must say we have been disappointed that a number of people have chosen to disregard our request to not travel to the stones this morning and that is the reason why we haven't been able to bring you the pictures that we would have liked to have done. 

'It is disappointing to see that happen but unfortunately in those kind of situations we have to put the safety of our staff members first and that's why we have had some interruption this morning.

'We have been told by police that people have now been dispersed and the situation is under control.'

Normally, up to 30,000 people would gather to watch the solstice, but it was a virtual event for the second consecutive year due to coronavirus restrictions introduced during the pandemic. 

The monument was preparing to welcome visitors in person from today before the Government delayed the easing of lockdown to July 19, with English Heritage making live-streams available instead.

Meanwhile, Wiltshire Police closed off access to part of the Ridgeway near Avebury stone circle following the arrival of a large number of vehicles, over fears the restrictions at Stonehenge would lead people to gather there. 

On the summer solstice at Stonehenge when skies are clear, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone, the ancient entrance to the stone circle, and rays of sunlight are channelled into the centre of the monument.

It is believed solstices have been celebrated at Stonehenge for thousands of years.  

Nichola Tasker, English Heritage's Director for Stonehenge, told MailOnline: 'With last week's news that the Government was delaying the lifting of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions and following discussions with Wiltshire Council's Public Health team and Wiltshire Police, English Heritage took the difficult decision to cancel the planned celebrations. 

'Unfortunately, a small number of people disregarded our request to not travel to Stonehenge for the summer solstice and entered the site. They were there for a short time before dispersing and this did interrupt - for a short period - the live-stream. 

'The Covid-19 restrictions were extended for a reason and it was disappointing to see - during a pandemic - people act in a way that put themselves, our staff and the police at risk.'

Mr Shires added: 'I would like to apologise on behalf of myself and the English Heritage team for the difficulties that we have had this morning. It hasn't gone according to plan as you might have guessed by now. We've been doing our very best to bring you the kind of content we know that you wanted and we wanted to as well.'  

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: 'While we also had to take the difficult decision to close part of the Ridgeway near Avebury for public safety, the Solstice weekend was peaceful with only a minor incursion into the stone circle at Stonehenge in the early hours of this morning (21/06), which was handled in a positive manner.

'Just one arrest was made close to Avebury of a woman in her 50s on suspicion of drunk and disorderly behaviour and has since been released with no further action.'

The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, as the tilt of Earth's axis aligns with the Sun. 

It began today at 04.31am UK time, but can occur between June 20 and June 22, depending on when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer at midday. After June 21, the nights will begin to close in as the planet rotates, with the Northern Hemisphere tilting further from the Sun 

Covid cases have risen by a quarter in the last week and another six people have died from the virus

New figures released by the Department of Health showed a further 9,284 coronavirus cases have been diagnosed

People inside the stone-circle during Summer Solstice at Stonehenge where some people jumped over the fence to enter

A person performs with fire during the celebration of the Summer Solstice, despite events being cancelled 

Revellers gather to celebrate the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge ancient stone circle

People celebrate the Summer Solstice, despite official events being cancelled

A woman attends the celebrations of the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

Why do druids gather at Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice? 

Security patrol the area around Stonehenge

For hundreds of years, people have held festivals, bonfires, picnics, Maypole dancing and other celebrations on the Summer Solstice.

Many people visit Stonehenge, the monument in Avebury Wiltshire that dates back to between 3,000 and 1,600 BC, on the longest day of the year.

Although people do not know why Stonehenge was built, it is a significant meeting spot for pagans.

Pagans have traditionally believed Midsummer's eve to be the time when the veil between this world and the next is thinnest, and when fairies and mythical creatures were most powerful.

Advertisement

The weather is forecast to be cold today, with rain coming down from Scotland to much of northern England and highs of just 60F (16C) in Manchester and Cardiff. 

London will have highs of 59F (15C) with heavy rain throughout the day, while tomorrow will see heavy rain affect the South in the morning, with the rest of the country otherwise dry with some sunshine. Patchy showers are expected on Wednesday, with temperatures low again.

The Met Office issued a flood warning in River Loddon and River Blackwater at Swallowfield in Berkshire.

There are flood alerts in eight other areas of the South East and Midlands: Cut, lower River Loddon, River Blackwater and The Cove Brook, River Kennet and its tributaries from Berwick Bassett down to Newbury, River Thame and Chalgrove Brook, River Whitewater and River Hart, upper River Loddon and upper River Wey. 

The druids gathered on what would have been so-called 'Freedom Day', the final easing of lockdown which was last week delayed by ministers by at least four weeks to July 19. 

It emerged over the weekend that Matt Hancock reportedly failed to tell Boris Johnson about a major report with promising conclusions about vaccine effectiveness against the so-called Indian variant at a crucial Cabinet meeting before ministers decide to postpone the unlocking. 

The claims, first reported in the Sunday Telegraph, suggest that the Health Secretary withheld key information from the Prime Minister to prolong the use of restrictions beyond today. 

Questions about the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing hospitalisations caused by the strain were at the centre of the ministers' decision last week to delay 'Freedom Day' until next month.

That decision was taken after a meeting of 'the quad' of Mr Johnson, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove and Mr Hancock on June 13.

But critics now claim that the data shows the decision to delay was not necessary and argue that 'Freedom Day' should be brought forward to July 5 because, they suggest, surging coronavirus cases will not result in a wave of hospitalisations that would overwhelm the NHS.

The Health Secretary is believed to have known about study produced by Public Health England into the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines on June 10.

The data in the report shows that the two vaccines were more effective at stopping hospitalisations from the now-dominant Indian variant than with previous strains.

PHE also provided written analysis on the data which they sent to Mr Hancock on June 12. But the information was not shared with the Prime Minister, Mr Sunak, or Mr Gove during their meeting on Sunday that led to the postponement of June 21.

Hundreds of revellers see in the dawn on the longest day of the year at Avebury Stone Circle

Revellers climb over a fence to get into Stonehenge ancient stone circle during the Summer Solstice celebrations

Revellers celebrate the Summer Solstice, despite official events being cancelled

Arch-Druid Arthur Pendragon speaks in front of Stonehenge ancient stone circle, during the celebrations of the Solstice

People are removed by police officers after a crowd entered the closed site at Stonehenge on June 21, 2021, in Amesbury

A person hugs a stone at Avebury during the celebrations of the Summer Solstice

Sources told the Sunday Telegraph that the study was not even included in briefing papers at the meeting.

Cabinet minister Robert Buckland swatted away allegations that Mr Hancock withheld the crucial information, telling Trevor Phillips on Sky News: 'Sadly I'm afraid that report is wrong.'

He also criticised calling Mr Hancock 'hopeless' after Mr Johnson's damning messages about the Health Secretary were revealed by Dominic Cummings, adding: 'To bandy around words like that I think does nobody any service at all.

'He's been a most useful and dynamic Health Secretary who enjoys our full support.'

Reminded that they were the Prime Minister's words, Mr Buckland said: 'I'm not going to get into text messages or WhatsApp messages sent between people and then disclosed in a rather unfortunate way.

'I don't believe that's actually a reflection of the reality.

'I've been working within Cabinet, within Government, throughout this crisis and I don't detect any suggestion that somewhere there is anything but the fullest confidence of what Matt has been doing and what he continues to do energetically.'

He went on: 'The data was provided to the Prime Minister and other members of that Cabinet committee in the most up to date way before the decision was made on Monday, and those taking part in the meeting had all the relevant data in the most up to date way before the decision was made.

'There's no question of the Prime Minister not being cited on important data, it was provided to him and other members of the committee in the normal way as people would expect.'

Wedding guest list limit of 30 is lifted from TODAY while care home trips and big wakes are also allowed - but rule of six remains and nightclubs stay shut 

New lockdown easing measures will be introduced in England today - though not as many as first hoped.

The Government has pushed back its June 21 'Freedom Day' by four weeks - to July 19 - amid concerns over the Delta variant.

But people in England will be given back some freedoms from today - most of which centre around large scale events and celebrations. 

Here MailOnline looks at what people in England can do from June 21, and what rules will be delayed:

Weddings

July and August are widely regarded as the peak months for weddings in the UK. And for those hoping to get hitched this summer, there is good news.

From June 21, the Government is to lift capacity restrictions on weddings, meaning more than 30 people can attend.

The current rules allow up to 30 people to attend weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

From June 21, the Government is to lift capacity restrictions on weddings, meaning more than 30 people can attend

But venues will now be able to choose a safe number of guests themselves, after carrying out risk assessments.

Weddings organised on private land, such as gardens, will also see capacity limits lifted. 

However, like private venues, organisers will have to carry out risk assessments prior to the wedding.

And you won't be able to take to the dance floor at the wedding. Though the couple's first dance is allowed, dancing is 'advised against due to the increased risk of transmission' 

Congregational and communal singing is also 'strongly advised against'. 

Wakes

Like weddings, wakes have been limited to 30 people. But this has been contentious because funeral limits were lifted in May.

as of June 21 the limits on wakes will now be lifted, bringing them in line with funerals and weddings.

It meant that families could invite an unlimited number of guests to a funeral, but had to limit the number who could attend the wake.

But as of June 21 the limits on wakes will now be lifted, bringing them in line with funerals and weddings.

Care Homes

Indoor visits to care homes, for up to five named guests, were re-introduced in May.

But restrictions have remained for those wanting to leave the care home to visit other people.

Restrictions have remained for those wanting to leave the care home to visit other people. That is changing from June 21. In England, rules on visits outside care homes will be relaxed

That is changing from June 21. In England, rules on visits outside care homes will be relaxed.

Residents will not have to isolate after spending time away from the care home with family and friends - including overnight stays. 

Boris Johnson said: 'The requirement for residents to isolate for 14 days after visits out of care homes will also be removed in most cases.'

Residents who leave to visit hospital will still have to isolate for 14 days on their return, however. 

Nightclubs

Unfortunately, those hoping for a return to the nightclub dancefloor will have to wait at least another month before they can start busting a move again.

Nightclubs have been closed since March last year, when lockdown was first  announced in the UK.

Nightclubs have been closed since March last year, when lockdown was first announced in the UK

And they will not be allowed to reopen until at least July 19 now, after the Government pushed back Freedom Day another four weeks.

Time to put those dancing shoes back on the shelf.

Cinemas and Theatres

Theatre-goers and film-lovers have been able to return to venues since May.

But venues have been restricted in terms of capacity. And those restrictions are set to remain beyond June 21.

Cinemas and theatres will continue to be limited to 50 per cent capacity, until at least July 19

Cinemas and theatres will continue to be limited to 50 per cent capacity, until at least July 19.

Masks

Facemasks still have to be worn in indoor public areas such as shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as public transport.

Facemasks still have to be worn in indoor public areas such as shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes, as well as public transport

Those who fail to wear a mask without a medical or similar exemption can be fined £200. 

Social Distancing

The rule of six remains in place indoors in England beyond June 21, while up to 30 people are able to meet outdoors.

That will not change until at least July 19.

The rule of six remains in place indoors in England beyond June 21, while up to 30 people are able to meet outdoors

Working from home

Many office workers have been preparing to head back to their desk on June 21.

But the Government is not lifting its work from home guidance today.

Instead, the Government will continue to advise people to work from home where possible.

The rule will remain in place until at least July 19.