Solstice passes peacefully in Wiltshire 

Wiltshire Police have thanked members of the public for their support over the Solstice weekend. 

Last week, English Heritage took the decision to cancel Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge to all but small groups of the Pagan and Druid communities. It was postponed to June 2022. 

The decision to cancel the event at the stones was taken after the Government announced there would be a delay in the lifting of the remaining covid restrictions. 

The police understand that this will have been disappointing news to many in Wiltshire and further afield who enjoy marking this key date at the site. They appreciate the cooperation of so many people who helped Solstice 2021 pass peacefully. 

They would like to thank those who heeded the advice and changed their plans accordingly. Many of the public watched the live-stream of the occasion on English Heritage’s social media channels. 

Police had to make the difficult decision to close part of the Ridgeway near Avebury, however. 

Police say that the Solstice was peaceful except for one minor incident inside the stone circle at Stonehenge in the early morning on 21 June which was handled positively.

Only one arrest was made close to Avebury, of a woman in her 50s for suspected drunk and disorderly behaviour. This woman has been released since with no further action.