As the wheel of the year turns, otherworldly creatures stir on the night of Beltane Fire Festival. The Voice of the Hill are guardians of the Fire Arch, protectors of the realm, creatures of the night that slide by in the peripheral for so many other nights of the year. But not on this night. On this night they walk in the open, amongst the living. On this night they come together to keep the peace on the Hill with their almighty chant.

The Fire Arch is a pivotal point in the festival. On the May Queen and the Green Man’s journey around the Hill, they must pass through the fiery portal into the Underworld, where they can initiate the turning of the seasons. Waiting at that gate are the Voice of the Hill, a group of elders from another realm. They are gathering and chanting, quietly at first. They chant for fire.

As the Neid fire approaches, their chanting grows louder, their energy intensifying as the moment that the Fire Arch is lit grows closer. They draw the audience into their vocal ritual, creating melody, percussion, and bass with their collective voice. Flames spark from the group as they begin to spin fire.

The Voice of the Hill are an immersive, interactive and (very) loud group of fire pixies sent here to allow safe passage for those brave enough to venture out on Beltane night.

Tickets for Beltane Fire Festival are available to buy online from Citizen Ticket. Join the Facebook event here.