Summer Solstice celebrations take place at Glastonbury Tor

HUNDREDS turned out at Glastonbury Tor to celebrate the Summer Solstice on Thursday night.

The bright evening, July 20, was spent watching the sunset on the longest day of the year while enjoying low-key performances by Glastonbury drummers and Morris dancers.

Glastonbury Tor, located on the Isle of Avalon hill, is a choice spot due to its Pagan, Christian, and spiritual significance for many.

The spirit of Glastonbury was in full force thanks to performers. (Image: Mike Jefferies)

The spot's unique vantage point allows views over the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire, and even as far as Wales.

Summer solstice takes place as one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun and the sun reaches its highest position in the sky, ensuring the longest stretch of daylight for the year.

Celebrations inside the Glastonbury Tor. (Image: Mike Jefferies)

Glastonbury Tor is a 15th-century tower that is all that's left standing of St Michael's Church. The Tor has many legends surrounding its history.

The National Trust states: "Glastonbury has a long tradition of being ‘The Isle of Avalon’ where King Arthur went after his last battle. The monks of Glastonbury Abbey claimed to have found his grave in 1191.

"Jesus is said to have come to Glastonbury as a boy, travelling here with Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was a tin merchant and had travelled to England's south west for this valuable metal."

It was this legend that is said to have inspired William Blake's poem, Jerusalem. Many people will have sung it as a hymn; "And did those feet in ancient time, Walk upon England’s mountains green?"