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| Several thousand revellers are expected to gather in Avebury next week for the annual solstice celebrations. Police and the local authorities have spent months preparing for the event which grows in size every year. Silbury Hill will be a complete no-go area with its car park closed and security patrols. But Avebury will see the biggest party of the year with huge crowds expected especially if the weather is fine. continued... Avebury has become the alternative to Stonehenge for Druids and pagans and also for many others who enjoy the solstice spectacle. The crowds in themselves, with many of the people colourfully dressed, provide a spectacle for some visitors. As the night progresses there is an al fresco party atmosphere with singing and dancing and an increasing crescendo of drumming which becomes more frenetic as dawn approaches. Even though the atmosphere is light hearted police say they are prepared for any eventuality. There will be low-key but firm policing, said Sgt Mark Freeman, with an emphasis on making sure everyone has a good time. However, said Sgt Freeman, other officers will be on standby in case a bigger attendance is necessary. This year two bobbies on bikes, PCs Simon McLaren-Clark and Andy Sexton, will be cycling among the crowds and around the camp sites. The National Trust is providing extra parking in the grounds of the Manor off the Swindon Road for about 200 cars. Parking will be allowed from 10am on Tuesday but no camping will be allowed. Camping will be permitted in the large southern car park off the Devizes road where there will be portable toilets. However the car parks will close at 4pm on Wednesday and police will help remove any stragglers. Police have warned that cars parked on verges will be towed away. There will be a further gathering in Avebury the next weekend, June 24-25 when the Glastonbury Order of Druids have a separate solstice celebration in the stones. Reply | with quote |  15th June 2006ce 16:46 |
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