Edinburgh welcomes summer with Beltane Fire Festival
PIC: Jon Kendrew
Edinburgh’s skyline was ablaze last night as hundreds of revellers took part in the ancient Celtic celebration of the coming of summer, the Beltane Fire Festival.
As darkness fell more than 7,000 people gathered on Calton Hill to watch as a procession of fire, drums and mystical characters set off from an epic opening sequence on the National Monument, to the lighting of a huge bonfire that could be seen for miles.
The night also saw a faerie garden of giant glowing mushrooms made from candlewax reclaimed from Edinburgh’s caves, a zip line whizzing fire performers across the hill and red acrobats making giant people-pyramids!
Sara Thomas, event coordinator said: “We’re really pleased the festival has had another successful year and that so many people could join us. Beltane is an ancient tradition with a modern twist, and we want to share it with as many people as possible.
“We’re hugely grateful for the support of everyone who comes to witness Beltane, and for the hard work of everyone involved in putting it on – from the hundreds of volunteers that perform, acts as stewards and make the event happen, to our partners in the local community – the City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, the Incorporation of Candlemakers of Edinburgh and so many others. It’s only possible to put something incredible like Beltane on with a massive collective effort, and that’s what makes it so special.”
The modern Beltane Fire Festival has run since 1988 and is the spring and summer counterpart to Samhuinn Fire Festival, which is held in the city centre on 31 October. The events are modern re-imaginings of ancient celtic festivals marking the turning seasons.
The Beltane Fire Society is a charity run by volunteers, dedicated to marking the fire festivals of the ancient Celtic calendar and keeping traditional Scottish skills of street theatre, music and pageantry alive.
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