IT should have been a peaceful and enjoyable occasion as more than 100 people gathered in Sleaford woodland for a party to mark the summer solstice.

Lithuanian music was playing at the event to mark the longest day of the year on Saturday while revellers, both adults and children, enjoyed dancing and picnicking.

But the spirits of the party-goers were dampened when a small group of people - believed to be Lithuanians - attacked a larger group leaving eight people, including one woman, with stab wounds described by the police as ÒseriousÓ. The injured were rushed to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey.

The incident happened just before midnight on Saturday night in the grounds of the Headley Park Hotel where between 100 and 200 people, mostly Lithuanians, had been camping since the previous day to attend the annual event.

Whitehill police officers were first to arrive at the scene. They said that the event was normally Òvery, very peacefulÓ and passed without any trouble.

Police remained at the Sleaford hotel for most of Sunday, taking witness statements.

Police spokeswoman Liz Walsh said that the injured people were released from hospital the following day.

ÒAt the time it was considered that most of them were very serious injuries, but in the light of the next day it was found that they were not as serious as first thought,Ó she said.

ÒThey were released from hospital on the Sunday and some came back to the place to retrieve their belongings.Ó

While the incident was happening outside the hotel, celebrations were afoot inside as a couple were holding their wedding reception. Management at the hotel were not prepared to comment on the incident but said that the hotel was not damaged in the brawl.

The hotel, at Picketts Hill, is home to the Lithuanian Country Club and visitors are welcomed by a sign reading ÒsodybaÓ meaning ÒfarmsteadÓ upon arrival at the hotel.

The incident has now been handed over to the major incident team at Grosvenor House in Basingstoke where a team of 33 officers, being led by Detective chief inspector Dave Williams are investigating the case.

Detective sergeant Doug Utting, of Basingstoke police and who is part of the investigation team, said that the investigation was very much ongoing.

ÒThis was an event organised by the Lithuanian Association of Great Britain,Ó he said.

ÒIt was a family event. The fight took place just before midnight and the majority of people were totally appalled by what happened. The end result is that somewhere in the region of eight to ten people were injured and were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.Ó

He added: ÒThis incident was totally out of character for the event.Ó

Thirteen Lithuanian men, who police said were mostly from the London area, were arrested as a result of the incident for a series of assaults and for violent disorder. Seven of those arrested were bailed at the beginning of this week until early July pending further enquiries.

As The Herald went to press on Wednesday, six remained in custody and were subject to investigation by the immigration service.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, who have not yet spoken to police, or anyone who was staying at the hotel on Saturday night to contact them.

The Herald believes that this incident will not affect the solstice event being held in the hotelÕs grounds in future years.

Anyone who has any information about the incident should contact the major incident room on 0845 045 45 45 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.