The summer solstice celebrations at Stonehenge have been cancelled because of concerns around coronavirus.

Thousands of people gather in Wiltshire to watch the sun rise at the neolithic monument on the longest day of the year.

However, the restrictions on large gatherings, brought in to try to stop the spread of COVID-19, have meant the annual event will not take place this year.

Instead the June event will be streamed on social media.

The decision was taken by English Heritage after talks with the police and the emergency services, as well as the druid and pagan community for whom the ceremony has special significance.

Stonehenge director Nichola Tasker apologised for the cancellation, saying: “We are very sorry to be the bearers of this news today.

“Given the sheer number of major events worldwide which have already been cancelled across the summer, from Glastonbury to the Olympics to Oktoberfest, I doubt this will come as a huge surprise, but we know how much summer solstice at Stonehenge means to so many people.

“We have consulted widely on whether we could have proceeded safely and we would have dearly liked to host the event as per usual, but sadly in the end, we feel we have no choice but to cancel.”

Ms Tasker added that she hoped the livestream would enable people to still enjoy the solstice, which takes place on or around 21 June each year.

She said: “We hope that our live stream offers an alternative opportunity for people near and far to connect with this spiritual place at such a special time of year and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.

“We know how strong the draw to come is for some people, but I would take this opportunity to say please do not travel to Stonehenge this summer solstice, but watch it online instead.”

The summer solstice is one of the few times the public are able to approach the stones, which are normally roped off and viewable from a short distance.

It is thought that the stone circle was built to align with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset. On the longest day of the year the sun rises behind the Heel Stone.

Stonehenge has been closed since 18 March.

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