THOUSANDS of revellers gathered on Calton Hill to mark the turning of the seasons and reconnect with nature through this year’s re-wilding-themed Beltane Fire Festival.
Just over 9500 people joined in celebrating this powerful Edinburgh tradition, immersing themselves in a vivid, elemental journey of fire, rhythm, and transformation.
Calton Hill was lit up with roaring fires and performers as story and ritual brought us together once more to mark the season of growth, connection, and renewal. It was a beautifully clear and hot evening to bring in the start of the warmer months!
Jenny Bloom, Beltane Fire Society’s Chair said: “Thank you to the thousands of Witnesses and the hundreds of Volunteers who wove another beautiful Beltane story this year. Renewed alongside the Green Man and inspired by the May Queen, we can all lean towards the new Summer in joy and community – even as we stand in readiness for the hard work we must do.”
The modern Beltane Fire Festival has been running since 1988 and is the spring and summer counterpart to Samhuinn Fire Festival, which is also held at Calton Hill on 31 October. The events are immersive experiences, which involve 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: Zhi Kang Chua, Sebastian Lemaire & Kitt Bunney