THOUSANDS of revellers gathered on Calton Hill last night to take part in an ancient Celtic ritual to welcome the arrival of the summer months of the year.
The Beltane Fire Festival has become a cultural staple in Edinburgh and is one of Scotland’s most popular events.
The festival, led by the May Queen and her court, included a spectacular fire show set against the night sky.
Organisers estimate that more than eight thousand people watched the Calton Hill spectacle and, despite the initial ‘cloud-kissed’ beginnings, the sky cleared up beautifully and gave way to an extraordinary and spectacular event!
Festival Coordinator Tom Watton said: “It’s such an achievement that so many dedicated volunteers come together to keep this beautiful festival alive. Once again the community and our loyal audiences came together to toast the Earth and mark the turning of the year.”
The modern Beltane Festival has been running since 1988 and is the spring/summer counterpart to the Samhuinn Fire Festival which is held in the city centre on 31 October. The events are ‘modern re-imaginings’ of ancient Celtic festivals to mark 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.
PICTURES: James Armandry (top) and Ross Cameron
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