On the eve of May, the Beltane Fire Society celebrates the coming of summer with Edinburgh's 22nd annual Beltane Fire Festival. A crowd of 12,000 will gather on Calton Hill to witness our revival of the ancient Celtic fertility festival.

Having built an internationally renowned reputation for community theatre and performance art, this visually spectacular festival celebrates the end of winter with drumming, revelry and fire performance. Join the fantastical procession led by the May Queen and her Court and be a part of the magical atmosphere of celebration building in anticipation of the new life the summer will bring. All performers are Edinburgh based volunteers who rehearse for three months for their role.

Taking inspiration from a rich history of Scottish traditions and celebration the Beltane Fire Festival is a unique opportunity to join in a celebration of Scotland's Celtic Heritage. Gates open at 6pm and all are welcome to enjoy the early evening family activities. The procession starts at 9pm as the neid fire is lit, drums punctuate the night and our May Queen rises from the earth. Journey with her around the hill through air, earth water and fire, to bring order to chaos and unity to red and white. The event finishes at 1am. All proceeds go towards meeting the costs of staging the event.

Start Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009
End Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009
Address: Calton Hill, Edinburgh

www.beltane.org
Phone: 0131 473 2000