About 15,000 people greeted the sun with cheers, smiles and prayers as it rose over Stonehenge for the summer solstice, days after the ancient monument was sprayed with orange paint. More than 200,000 people tuned in from around the world to watch the sunset and sunrise on a livestream of the event by English Heritage, which manages the monument. Those who observed the spectacle at the neolithic structure in Wiltshire encountered a chilly morning accompanied by misty fields as the sun glinted over the horizon at 4.52am on Friday. Earlier this week the heritage site had been targeted by Just Stop Oil protesters. Wiltshire police said a man in his 70s and a woman in her 20s had been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, damaging an ancient monument and deterring a person from engaging in a lawful activity. Many of those attending the solstice expressed frustration and disapproval at the protest. Sally Ann Spence, an archaeology enthusiast who dressed as a shaman from the Mesolithic period, which pre-dates Stonehenge, said the solstice was “incredibly important”. “I understand their cause, I respect their cause. I just wish they hadn’t done that on Stonehenge,” she said. “I think to put anything on the stones is slightly misguided, there are very rare lichens on the stones, it’s a world heritage site.” She added: “Being here for the solstice and representing a shaman – admittedly, from a different period of time – is a brilliant experience. “It’s exciting. It’s very busy at the moment and I’m loving it because I’m using it as a chance to talk to people about actual archaeology.” Laura Debane, who was attending the solstice at Stonehenge for the fifth time, said Just Stop Oil spraying the monument was “awful”. “If you want to make a protest go somewhere it’s going to mean something, not in a historical place like this because there’s no oil here, it’s sacred ground.” Debane said she was glad the protest had not ruined the event and people were still able to come out and enjoy it. Rollo Maughfling, the archdruid of Stonehenge and Britain, said the Just Stop Oil action was “very, very sad” but the solstice sunrise had been “wonderful and peaceful”. Dr Nick Merriman, the chief executive of English Heritage, said on Thursday that the paint had been removed and there appeared to be no visible damage. Removing the orange powder could still have a “harmful impact”, English Heritage said, by “eroding the already fragile stone and damaging the lichens”. Rebecca Eade, English Heritage’s director of Stonehenge, said: “Coming together at Stonehenge for the summer solstice is a tradition that brings people from near and far to see in the start of the longest day and celebrate the changing seasons. This morning was a joyous and peaceful occasion with the most beautiful sunrise. It is fantastic to see Stonehenge continuing to enchant and connect people. “From sunset to sunrise, there was a fantastic atmosphere enjoyed by all, making for a truly memorable experience.” She said ensuring the event was safe, enjoyable and sustainable relied on the work of staff and volunteers and the support of Wiltshire council and emergency services. Stonehenge is a monument built on the alignment of the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter sunset. On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone – the ancient entrance to the Stone Circle – and rays of sunlight are channelled into the centre of the monument. It is believed solstices have been celebrated at Stonehenge for thousands of years. Summer solstice occurs when 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 period of daylight for the year.