Thousands gather at Stonehenge for summer solstice celebration

Preparations at Stonehenge for solstice visitors. National Highways says roads to the site will be busy and has urged people to use public transport. Photograph: Sam Frost/The Guardian

Glen Michael Herbert, a woodcarver known as Herbie to his friends, summed up the draw of the summer solstice beautifully.

“It’s a spiritual thing that people of all faiths and none can embrace,” he said. “I think it’s about feeling the wheel of the year turning, enjoying the light, appreciating nature. Most of all, coming together.”