Fire performer, Jay, got in touch with us earlier in the year about getting involved with Beltane. He has since joined us in Edinburgh (from Bristol!) to take part in Fire Point. Here is his story…

Photo by Simon Crofts

I am a fire juggler and object manipulator originally from Bristol, UK. I had friends and other fellow performers mention to me that I should try out Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh (apparently it was “my sort of thing”, they said) so I got in contact with BFS by email saying I would like to take part and add my experience as a performer to the Fire Point section, to teach and to work with them.

I was put in touch with the lovely Sandi and Martin, and after speaking with them and arranging times and dates I made the long journey up north to Edinburgh. I had a amazing greeting when I met them and they have made me feel at home – in some cases better than at home!

I would like to state, working with everyone has had its rewards. All the people making this happen are actually involved in the festival and they have lots of experience of how things work here, so I say to any budding performers out there who want a fun, eye-opening experience in fire festivals, you could do much worse than messaging the lovelies at Beltane Fire Society. For sure, you will feel welcome and there is one of the best community vibes here I’ve ever felt.

We are now at under a week until the final epic performance on the 30th April. This sees many groups’ journeys all coming together for the uniting evening which will see many weeks, in fact months, of preparation all coming together. It has be a tough but rewarding journey – as is life.