More than 20,000 people gathered at Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire to celebrate the summer solstice, witnessing the sunrise at 4:25 am on the longest day of the year, according to English Heritage. Visitors, some wearing flower head-dresses, touched the ancient monument and cheered as the sun emerged over the misty horizon.
Merlin and his father join the celebrations
Among the crowd was a man dressed as the 'real Merlin' in a full wizard outfit, accompanied by his father. The father said: 'This is the son of Merlin. It's his birthday today, but this is why we've come to celebrate. It's my son's birthday, son of Merlin, and it's the solstice. Yes, that's a really magical time for me as a father.' He added: 'We come here, and we pick up vibrations from the cosmos. I've been 40 times here. In the rain, in the fog, you know, no sunrise, but the vibrations are still here. The stones themselves have been concreted, which stops a lot of energy coming up. But it's still there, it's still powerful on the ley lines.'
Heatwave expected to bring record-breaking temperatures
The solstice comes just days before a heatwave that could see temperatures peak at around 35C on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Met Office. Forecasters have expressed 'growing confidence' that this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature of 35.6C, set in 1976 in Southampton. An amber extreme heat warning has been issued for Monday and Tuesday for most of southern England, south-eastern and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands. The alert warns of potential health impacts for vulnerable people, heat-related issues for the wider population, and a potential increase in water safety incidents.
Weather details and safety advice
Today, highs of 31C are forecast in London, 27C in Cardiff, and 21C in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Monday is expected to be cloudier, with temperatures up to 32C and rising humidity throughout the week. The Met Office advises people in the alert area to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11 am and 3 pm. The heat follows a hot spell in May that saw at least 15 people die after getting into trouble in open water.
France also faces extreme heat
In France, highs of 40C are expected on Sunday, with Monday likely even hotter. Emergency services and military forces have been put on wildfire alert, public alcohol consumption restrictions have been imposed, and some outdoor sporting events have been cancelled.
