This year’s foliage and feather laden design is by freelance illustrator, and Beltane Fire Society member, Sonya Hallett. Submitted for last year’s poster competition, the powerful image had lingered in our collective minds. When the submissions this year didn’t quite hit the mark, Sonya’s poster was the obvious choice.

An illustrator, maker and amateur entomologist, Sonya has been a part of the Beltane Fire Society since 2006, often as a member of Elemental groups: “I don’t really have the time to join in as a performer these days, but I wanted to take part in a different way. It feels like I’m doing something, still. One of the things I’ve always loved about Samhuinn is the idea of that horned god creature, who’s worn away, hence the skull as the central image; there’s still the autumn foliage, it’s not devoid of life, but it’s stripped back, and slightly sinister, too.

Like the spectacle of Samhuinn itself, Sonya’s design is “eye catching from a distance, but if you come up close, there’s lots more to find.” You can enjoy the fine detail up close and in person, this 31st October. Keep an eye on Sonya’s plans to take over the world through insect robots and knitted giant squids here.

The Samhuinn Fire Festival 2016 is at 9pm on Monday 31st October on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Find out all about it here.