Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival 2025 sees huge crowds on Calton Hill
Beltane marks the turning of the seasons (Image: PA/Jane Barlow) The night was filled with drumming, hundreds of performers and plenty of fire - illuminating Calton Hill with 'a fierce and joyful energy', organisers said.
Fire takes centre stage in the show (Image: PA/Jane Barlow) Jenny Bloom, Beltane Fire Society's Chair said: 'Another year, another magical Beltane. As we roll into summer and carry the May Queen's message of renewal with us, a huge thank you to the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of witnesses who made it all happen.'
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The modern Beltane Fire Festival has been running since 1988 and is the spring and summer counterpart to Samhuinn Fire Festival, which is held at Holyrood Park on 31 October.
Performers don exotic costumes (Image: PA/Jane Barlow) The events are immersive experiences, which involve modern re-imaginings of ancient Celtic festivals to mark the start of summer and the onset of winter.
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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