THOUSANDS gathered at Stonehenge early Sunday morning to welcome the sunrise on the shortest day of the year.

Around 8,500 revellers, including many druids and pagans garbed in traditional Celtic clothing, came together for this year’s Winter Solstice, with more than 240,000 watching English Heritage’s livestream.

The sunrise peeks through the stones. Photo: English Heritage

People made their way to the stone circle from miles around to take part in the ancient celebration which marks the return of longer days and the turn of the seasons.

Morris dancers perform in front of the stones. Photo: PA

The sun rose shortly after 8am and the atmosphere was jovial with Morris dancing, music and singing and many took a quiet moment to be with the stones.

Kefan Wang (left), 4th-generation Manchu Shaman, dances as people take part in the winter solstice. Photo: PA

In June, around 25,000 people attended the summer solstice.