Latest news with #BeltaneFireFestival2025
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
18 Pictures of Edinburgh's Beltane Fire Festival 2025 on Calton Hill
The ancient Celtic tradition, that goes back more than 3,000 years, marks the changing of the seasons and attracts huge crowds every year. Organised by the Beltane Fire Society, the event was first performed in it's current form in 1988, and is a reinterpretation of the centuries old ritual that thrills audiences with captivating storytelling, fire spinning, music and dance. Around 6,800 people attended the event on Wednesday night, where they followed the procession around the historic site, that sees the May Queen and the Green Man lead hoards spectators around Calton Hill as they visit elemental points on the hill and pay respect to the elements. Here are 18 pictures from the Beltane Fire Festival 2025. 1 . Sundown The annual event on Calton Hill begins shortly after sunset | Lanta Anastasia Fraerman Photo Sales 2 . Pyrosphere Fire plays an important role in the festival and Pyrosphere performers can be seen putting on dazzling displays throughout the night | Izzy Henry Photo Sales 3 . May Queen Edinburgh University PhD student, Alixandra Prybyla, took on the role of the May Queen for the third time | Dan B Photo Sales 4 . Aquarium This year's festival included an Aquarium zone where aquatic animals of all shapes and sizes learned there is a life beyond their glass walls | Izzy Henry Photo Sales Related topics: EdinburghCelticMusicDance
Scotsman
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
When is the Beltane Fire Festival? Date, tickets, what happens, and what's new this year on Edinburgh's Calton Hill
Last year's Beltane Fire Festival. | AFP via Getty Images The spectacular event marks the start of summer. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Edinburgh's Beltane Fire Festival is set to light up Edinburgh's Calton Hill this week, with hundreds of performers taking part. The annual event is inspired by a tradtional ancient Gaelic festival dating back over 3,000 years which began on the evening before May 1 and marked the beginning of summer. Here's what you need to know. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When is the Beltane Fire Festival 2025? The festival takes place on Wednesday, April 30, on Edinburgh's Calton Hill. What time should I arrive at the Beltane Fire Festival? The doors open at 7.30pm and organisers have asked that nobody arrive before 7.15pm. Anybody looking to enjoy the event shouldn't arrive any later than 8.30pm. What happens at the Beltane Fire Festival? A procession starts at the National Monument and spirals anti-clockwise around the path up Calton Hill. It's led by the May Queen and the Green Man, followed by a cavalcade of characters who are intrinsically linked to them and their journey. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Their destination is punctuated by various groups who either help or hinder their progress towards the Green Man's fate and the May Queen's destiny. After a dramatic stage performance signifying the inception of summer the May Queen and Green Man spark the birth of summer by lighting a huge bonfire. Can I still get tickets for the Beltane Fire Festival 2025? Tickets are currently available for the festival here, priced at £17.45/£8.88 under-16s. What's new at the Beltane Fire Festival this year? This year's festival has a 'rewilding theme'. The organisers explain: 'Beltane is taking rewilding to new heights. It's not just about restoring ecosystems; it's about reviving our cultural and spiritual connection to the earth. What does it mean to truly 'rewild' our community? From costumes crafted with foraged materials to the planting of seeds that represent growth and renewal, every part of this year's festival is a call to action—to reimagine our place in the world and our role in the land's story. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Throughout the festival, you'll experience the spirit of rewilding through a seed exchange series—a chance to connect with the earth and with one another in a way that goes beyond the physical. And on the night itself, a symbolic seed exchange led by the May Queen will invite everyone to come together, share, and cultivate something magical. 'As we retell the traditional stories of The May Queen, and The Death and Rebirth of The Green Man, you'll also come across a whole assortment of larger-than-life characters, fire-play, acrobatics, drummers, dancers, musicians, and much more. Join us as we celebrate life's renewal with fire, story, and rewilding. Let's ignite the wild within and reawaken our connection to the land, the fire, and each other. All are welcome!' What food and drink will be available? There will be a 'small range of food concessions run by local businesses' but you are also welcome to bring your own food and drink - although those with an 'excessive' amount of alcohol may be refused entry. No glass bottles or containers are allowed. What items are prohibited at the Beltane Fire Festival? Don't bring these items to the festival - you won't be allowed to bring them in.
