Nyree McAleer shares her experiences as a Group Organiser for Beltane and Samhuinn Fire Festivals.

The Elementals at a Beltane 2012 walkthrough rehearsal by Raini Scott

Fire on a stick

With those immortal words I sold my soul to the Beltane Fire Society. I can’t remember what I had been told about the Festival by my friend Zander (the current BFS Chair). Neither can I remember the Torchie meetings in the run up to the actual Festival. But what I do remember is walking onto the Acropolis on the night, wearing a Torchie tabard with pride, face painted for the first time in my life and seeing 12,000 plus faces looking up with anticipation and joy. I felt like I was home…

Then someone next to me lit my brand (those were the days of carrying half a small tree, not the beautiful custom made brands we have now). It took every inch of my being to stop me jumping up and down with joy, right there on the Acropolis.

The rest of the night is a blur of faces and happiness, but I do remember I was totally entranced with the two White Women that I spent the night walking beside. (Both of whom I became very good friends with; one I co -GO’d White with for two years and the other became my ‘eyes’ on a future night that I was the Caillech). That night, with fire on a stick, I vowed that the following year I would be wearing White.

I was part of the Summer Court for Samhuinn that year, the first time I had gone the ‘whole process of turning up to an Open Meeting and signing up for a group. That Samhuinn cemented my dislike of artificial fabrics and Fairy wings (it is shocking how quickly those things go up when next to a naked flame! Thank goodness no-one was hurt).

The following year I turned up for the Beltane Open Meeting and put my name down for White. Oh my, that was one of the scariest experiences of my life! I didn’t think I would be accepted as it was only my first attempt at applying for White and my second ever Beltane.

With much joy I was accepted and joined White that year! I was partnered with another ‘first time’ White and we were chosen to be the first pair that walked over the Acropolis – a truly awe inspiring honour! My partner that year came up with what became the White tradition of the ‘pinkie hold’ (when two Whites link pinkies together so that they can walk over the acropolis together, stick high and holding on to each other in love and support). I always knew I had been partnered to a very special lady that night, and this year I look forward to seeing her debut as our May Queen…

The following years were full of highs (GO’ing White and getting rid of white painted sticks, Whites carrying Swords and the CAKE SHELF OF DOOM!!!! – ask me about it sometime) and lows. Personal issues left me no choice but to become a member of the audience for a few years, something which I think has helped me become a better GO. It also allowed me to meet my soul mate, on the Hill at Beltane, right next to the stage…

I returned to ‘active duty’ last year and co-GO’d the Elementals at Beltane – Wow, weren’t the puppets STUNNING! The guys all worked their socks off and it showed on the night. I still crack a smile every time I see pictures of them. And those puppets became big personalities in their own right.

For Samhuinn, I co-GO’d again and we took Summer on a darker, more twisted journey. Let’s not forget the flash mob Ceillidh! Oh, and memories of doing the Thriller dance at the Open Meeting springs to mind. What you will do as a GO to get people to join your group… (Shakes head)

I have had the honour and pleasure to work with some talented and beautiful individuals over the years; too many to mention here and some of whom are still part of our Society today (you all know who you are!) and I don’t regret a second of it. In fact, I treasure every memory, every moment.

So, with that in mind I have submitted an application to co-GO a group at this year’s Beltane. Now, I just have to be patient and distract myself until the Board meets and a decision is made…

If I can leave you one piece of advice, it is this; don’t be scared of doing something out of your comfort zone. If you are passionate about a group or character – then get your GO application in! NOW!!!! Don’t assume someone else will do it.

You CAN DO IT!!! BFS needs you, needs your passion, your vision, your spirit and your talent. Being a GO will break your heart at times and yet restore your soul. And it is the greatest gift you can give back to the community that you are part of.

So in whatever guise you will be in at this year’s Beltane; I look forward to entertaining you/working with you/being a colleague/serving you.

See you on the Hill on the 30th of April 🙂