Announcing our Samhuinn 2024 Groups and how to get Involved

Welcome to the Samhuinn Fire Festival 2024!

Whether you’re someone who’s looking on curiously, or a regular volunteer – we’re delighted to introduce you to the different performance and production groups who will be running this festival!

We’re excited to offer the opportunity for you to get involved and contribute to the festival as a volunteer. You can find the perfect way to use your time to make this year’s festival a success.

Below you’ll find all the information you need to apply for your desired group and be part of our celebration!

Not sure how things work? Email the groups that sound fun/interesting and they’ll be able to share more about what they’re up to, and guide you to how to apply to join in with them if you want to.

Our open meeting is being held at 2pm at Charteris Centre on Pleasance . You can find more info on it here. If you are new to the society, we invite you to join us at 1.30pm for a welcome talk. We will also have a newbie table for any questions after the main meeting. Please do come and see hello! After the meeting, we will be heading over to OX184 on the Cowgate from 4.30/5pm for a more social occasion. We look forward to seeing you there!

Open Groups

Craobhan

Group Organisers: Fern Farndale-Brown, Jenny Glover, Carrie-anne Wallace – craobhan@beltane.org

Inspired by the climate crisis, and a natural love and respect for trees, this group, Craobhan, intends to explore themes of, and express through performing arts, how trees are tackling the climate crisis themselves.,

In a universe rich in folklore which contains the Cailleach as well as Summer and Winter Queens, the trees of Celtic mythology can feel, move, think and even give blessings to the audience witnesses who come to watch.

This will remind people that we should rediscover our symbiotic relationship with the oak, rowan, blackthorn or alder among others. We have a responsibility as a developed species to maintain good stewardship practices and protect our woodlands before it’s too late!

So this group will provide movement, even dancing, making wonderful sounds and sharing time with other tree lovers in beautiful settings in and around Edinburgh as we develop our performance. The group will be medium commitment with two practices a week, once indoors on Thursday evenings and once outdoors on a weekend afternoon.

It will aim to be both accessible and affordable and will be open to all people (especially those new to the society) who can bring their multi-sensory creativity, love of movement with sound and willingness to embrace their beautiful, inner tree and put on a spectacular performance for the trees and for Samhuinn 2024.

Commitment: Medium (2 meetings per week on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons)
Financial contribution: £20 per person (but buy your own coffee)
Away Days: 2 separate days out, accessible by Edinburgh buses. To be agreed by the group, but suggestions include foraging and forest bathing.
Open practice schedules: Practices on Monday September 2nd 7-9pm and Thursday September 5th 7-9pm will be at the Edinburgh Community Garden. Meet outside at the steps of University of Edinburgh Library, 30 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LJ. The third practice will be on Saturday September 7th 2-4pm. Meet at the Royal Botanic Garden, West Gate (Arboretum Place, John Hope Gateway), we’ll be at the reception, just inside.

If you want to know more, just ask. We’re here to help and share our love of green nature.

Lunistice

Group Organisers: Sara Thomas & Lisette Boxman – lunistice@beltane.org

The moon rises, the moon reflects, the moon sets. And the cycle begins anew.

The Lunistice, or major lunar standstill, takes place every 18.6 years. (Which is… now.) If you’re stood in the Callanish (Calanais) stones, and look toward the Cailleach in the landscape, the moon appears to be reborn, and moonlight pours into the circle. Lunistice will be a movement, light, mask, and costume group, taking inspiration from this event, and connecting with the moon as a symbol of renewal and reflection. We’re celebrating the moon’s cycles, the land, & the Cailleach. We’re making masks & costumes, and devising simple flocking-based choreography. Expect possible crowd interaction on the night, and shouting “mooooooonnnnn” a lot in the run up.

Also, we’re rehearsing in Glasgow. (Thursday evenings & Sunday afternoons.) We’ve been doing this for a lot of years and we just really wanted to commute a bit less this time…

There’s a whole load more information here

Commitment level – medium / high
Expected financial contribution – £40-50 depending on costume – but please give us a shout if this concerns you at all!
Weekend Away Dates/or details – Weekend of 27-29 September, camping
Open practice schedule – Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September, afternoon, probably Kelvingrove Park – location will be sent to those signing up 🙂

Obsidian

Group Organisers: Nina Willms, Julia Morales and Chris Meechan – obsidian@beltane.org

Obsidian forms when volcanic lava is cooled rapidly. Born from this union of fire and ice, we are a group of fierce elemental warriors that embody the terrifying strength and beauty of winter’s inevitable power. On Samhuinn night Obsidian will awaken from our slumber, emerging from the volcanic landscape of Arthur’s Seat, wholly focused and single-minded in our desire to bring about the seasonal transformation of summer into winter.

We will use a combination of acrobatics, fire spinning, ritual, and physical storytelling to evoke the creation of a mythic sword: channelling the chaotic energy and heat of summer into the forge and using it to create a cold, unbreakable blade, symbolic of winter’s enduring wisdom. Throughout our journey summer beings will try to hinder our progress, unaware that their efforts only act to hasten their inevitable demise. As our blade is shaped, tempered, and sharpened, so are we – honing our acrobatics and fire spinning as our story progresses and ultimately culminates in an epic battle where our full power is realised.

We have ambitious goals for the use of acrobatics and fire-spinning, as well as the execution of a strong storytelling concept. We will focus on synchronised movement, choreography, and embodied performance to convey our story. Experience in one or more of these disciplines is encouraged, but we also welcome beginners with little to no experience.

We will guide you on this journey and help you connect with your inner warrior by building strength, resilience, and self-confidence. Our group will use elements of ritual, reflection, and collaboration to foster a sense of community and togetherness to help prepare for the oncoming winter. We endeavour to demonstrate the powerful healing that can come after the transition from summer to winter, even if that transition is a violent one.

Commitment Level: HIGH
Financial Contribution: £55 (if this is in any way a challenge for you, please let us know, we don’t want finances to be a barrier to joining)
MANDATORY Staycation Weekend: 4-6 October 2024
Open Practice Schedule:
- Monday Sept 2nd 7-10pm
- Wednesday Sept 4th 7-10pm
- Saturday Sept 7th 11am-2pm
Closed Practice Schedule:
- Wednesdays 7-10pm
- Sundays 1:30-6:30pm
First Closed Practice: 8th Sept

Sign Up For Open Practice

Photopoint

Group Organisers: Sebastien Lemaire (Seb), Siri Pantzar, Izzy Henry photopoint@beltane.org

In short – come take photos with us!

Photopoint are the volunteer documentary team who ensure that the festival can be witnessed across time and space. We will capture a bit of the magic of Samhuinn – both to share with the world; and to retain in image form so our community can look back at the magic they created once the body paint has been washed off. We will collaborate with the Samhuinn Court and the groups to tell the stories of Samhuinn in ways that are true to their creativity and ours.

We will spend some time in the first half of the run-up sharing our collective knowledge and skills in photography and editing, including focusing on low-light photography. We then document group preparations to get to know the festival and to further hone our skills.

We may also have space for a self-motivated videographer or two if you’ve got a hankering to try those skills behind the scenes with BFS.

We would love to recruit a pool of photographers with diverse experience and perspectives who want to work with each other and with performers to learn something new, take brilliant photos and have a great time together!

Having access to a camera, lenses and equipment is beneficial but we can support you in sourcing one to borrow if necessary.

Commitment level: Moderate to High (light in September, higher in October and November)
Expected financial contribution: tbc ~£20-£25
Open practice schedule: Thu 5th Sept, Sun 8th Sept 7-9pm (in central Edinburgh)

Púcaí

Group Organisers: Torin Forest and Giulia Gatti – pucai@beltane.org

The Púcaí are shapeshifting, trickster fae associated with Samhuinn and November 1st in Irish Mythology. We’ll be making the most of the last night of summer; taking the humans and other fair folk on a wild rhythmical ride as we cavort and drum ourselves into the beautiful fierce grip of winter. Our mischievous (but ultimately benign… we promiseeee) antics will sober across the evening as we come into alignment with the season, ready to be civil, good and proper like, for November 1st; Púca’s Day.

We are a transitional drumming group looking for folk who have drummed before and have access to a drum (we’re unable to provide drums for open practices!). While drumming will be our main priority, we’re also looking to create some fun costumes, so drummers with a desire to explore their creative side in this way are encouraged! We will be using basses, low/floor toms, snares, and shakers.

Commitment: Medium/high commitment
Expected group subsidy: £40 (Please discuss any financial concerns with us in confidence. We do not want this to be a barrier to participation).
Day away: Saturday 5th October, local location (not mandatory but strongly encouraged)
Open practices:
- Wednesday 4th September, 19:00 – 22:00 (Colorsound, 42a Haymarket Terrace, EH12 5LA – stepped access only)
- Sunday 8th September, 14:00 – 17:00 (Colorsound)
Closed practices:
- Sundays, 18:00 – 21:00

Stewards

Group Organisers: Ann Landmann & Bruce Dunsmore – stewards@beltane.org

Stewards are the friendly (painted) faces of the festival. On the night, we chat to the audience and answer their questions (Where is the loo? What’s going on? Where is the best place to stand?).

We also guide the performers and guard their performance spaces, giving us a front row seat to all the brilliant performances. Stewards are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of the performers and audience members. We work closely with festival organisers and performers to plan a safe and enjoyable night for everyone, making us one of the most essential groups of the entire festival.

What happens on the night?

Stewards are one of the first groups to arrive on site. Once gates have opened, we chat to the audience and answer questions. As the start of the performance draws near, we take our places. Many stewards will walk in the procession, making sure neither performers nor audience members catch fire, looking out for sparks and patting them out.

Stewards is a great gateway group. If you are curious about the Beltane Fire Society but aren’t sure how to get involved, Stewards is a brilliant place to start. You see the festival close up, get to know the other groups and see what it’s all about. Many stewards go on to take part in other groups – most long serving members of the Society have been a steward at one time or another.

No prior experience with Beltane Fire Society or as an event steward is necessary, as training will be provided in the weeks leading up to the festival in audience interaction, crowd control, and fire safety.

Key Info

This is a low commitment group. We only meet once a week, though additional social activities will be available. A minimum of one Open Practice should be attended and attendance of the second walkthrough is compulsory.
Fire handling: While we don’t handle fire ourselves, we are part of the fire safety team for the festival. Fire safety training will be given.
Expected financial contribution: While there will be no direct contribution, members will need to have leather gloves and suitable fireproof clothing on the night.
Stewarding is a lot of standing and walking – if you have concerns about this, please do get in touch. Roles on the night are varied, and we definitely find something that will work for everyone.
Open Practice every Sunday starting 8th September, 2pm to 4pm in Holyrood Park, meeting at the Holyrood Park Education Centre

Stormsphere

Group Organisers: Violette Rose, White Deer, and Ceylan Hay, in collaboration with Andy Walker (Drums) and Alba Luna Nici (Movement) – stormsphere@beltane.org

You can feel it on the back of your neck…the dropping temperature, the breeze picking up, the smell of electricity on the air. A flash of light, followed by a distant rumble that awakens something coded in your primal DNA. Something is coming, something powerful.

Stormsphere is a drum, music and movement group, bringing epic sounds to enhance the story of this year’s Samhuinn celebration. We will create a pagan temple surrounding St Margaret’s well, with melodic music and dance. As the last light of summer fades, the mood turns dark, energy is raised, the drums gain in power, and a storm is brewed in our temple cauldron. Through the night, we slowly transform into a living, moving storm at the Cailleach’s bidding, with a final performance at the stage.

The storm is depicted using large silk dance flags, large drums, thunder makers, horns and blown instruments, unconventional percussion and stormy sound effects. Some instruments provided. There will be opportunities to try a variety of sound-makers, improvise with creative movement, workshops in instrument making, silk dyeing, flag-dance choreography, and DRUMS!!

Previous experience not required. Some stationary and accessible roles available. Looking for people that are attentive to cues and context, creatives willing to explore improvisation through sound, and those prepared for some potentially intense performance.

Member Practices are Sunday afternoons for the whole group (beginning 8/9/24), with additional Wednesday evenings (beginning 11/9/24) for only drum ensemble members.

Commitment level: medium
Expected financial contribution: £40
Staycation day: (no camping) on Sunday 29th September, not mandatory.
Open practices in the Meadows (Northeast):
- Wednesday 4/9, at 7-9pm outdoors near 4 North Meadows Walk
- Thursday 5/9, 7-9pm outdoors near 4 North Meadows Walk
- Friday 6/9, 7-9pm outdoors near 4 North Meadows Walk
Members’ Practice Schedule:
- Wednesdays 7-10pm for drummers @ Bongo Club in Cowgate
- Sundays 4-7pm for everyone @ Bongo Club in Cowgate
First Members’ Practice: 8th Sept, 4-7pm for everyone @ Bongo Club in Cowgate

Get in touch: soundsphere@beltane.org

Tech

Group Organisers: Peter Jackson and Eli Marsh – tech@beltane.org

We help facilitate the tech needs of each Samhuinn group (within reason) and the wider production.We create and provide light by fire cans, to help put our Court’s visions into fire by means of fire sculptures and possibly some pyro.

On the night we are there to light fires and contribute to the safety and smooth running of the festival. From stage building to fire safety, we do a bit of everything: Tech is the glue that pastes the festival together by fire and sometimes nuts and bolts.

You don’t need specific skills, only enthusiasm to learn! Whether you’re completely new to BFS, or you’ve been involved in more festivals than you can count, everyone is welcome in Tech: we’re to share knowledge, learn from each other and have a good time.

Tech is a variable time commitment group. We’ll be having weekly meetings on the weekend at our stores in Leith in the run up and will arrive at the festival site to set up before other groups. Apart from a mandatory safety training session, and attendance at at least one walkthrough, there is a lot of flexibility about when you can help out.
No financial contribution. You might want to consider buying safety boots for doing certain tasks that require foot protection, but we do have a limited number of pairs that can be borrowed.
Possible staycation; details to be confirmed based on group thoughts. Attendance optional.

Open practice schedule

Sunday 8th September 1-4pm at 16 East Cromwell St, EH6 6HF (suggested that you contact us in advance but turning up is fine too) with meetings after this to be confirmed. Contact us to find out more.

Drop us an email at tech@beltane.org or complete the form to find out more information about Tech and open practice.

Torchbearers

Group Organisers: Garen Abel-Unokan, Saskia Schmitz, and Joe Sedgwick – torchbearers@beltane.org

It is all darkness. Everything lies cold. But then — a spark! Another! And another! More and more until they grow full and bright, illuminating the mortal struggle between summer and winter.

Who holds the line between the darkness and the light?

Who holds the line between the two worlds?

US.

As torchbearers, we start the Neidfire, the very first fire of the night and bring light to the entire festival! On our Monday evening practices, we’ll prepare torch balls (the fuel of our torches for the night), create our costumes (which includes making our beautiful cloaks), learn loads about fire, share stories and develop the ceremonial aspect around the lighting of the Neidfire together.

Our group will stay open to new members until the 13th of October (unless our group is full before that) but we encourage you to chat to us if you are interested but only have limited availability.

Grab your torch and come light the darkness with us!

Low commitment – Every Monday evening 7pm – 9pm, with some possible extra practices in October
Expected financial contribution – £10 for group costs, and between £40-60 for the materials for cloak making. (Please talk to us if this would be difficult for you.)
Day away on 28th September, local to Edinburgh
Open practices: 2nd and 4th September, 7pm – 9pm, location TBC

Talk to us here: torchbearers@beltane.org and sign up for an open practice here!

Semi-Open Court Groups

Winter’s Guard

Organiser: Narma (Winter Queen) – summerqueen@beltane.org & Court Deputy – Kat Bradley

In the icy grip of the north, Winter’s Guard stands fierce and loyal around the Winter Queen. Comprising seasoned warriors and creatures from Shetland folklore, like mystical wulvers and enigmatic selkies, they are the valiant defenders of winter’s stark beauty. As they patrol beneath the shimmering aurora, they resist the relentless shifts of changing climates, fighting with frostbitten fury to uphold the ancient balance. These elite guardians, sharped in combat and whispering of forgotten myths, invite you into their saga—a journey into the heart of winter’s past, wrapped in the cold winds that forge their enduring spirit.

Summer’s Guard

Organiser: Seraphina (Summer Queen) – summerqueen@beltane.org & Court Deputy – Sammi Searle

In the throes of a fiercely unstable climate, the Summer’s Guard stands as a vivid embodiment of resilience and chaos. Led by the Summer Queen, this group draws inspiration from the legacy of ancient Celtic warrior queens, whose stories are whispered through the ages. Like their fiery forebears, they channel the intensity and unpredictability of a summer pushed beyond its natural bounds. With fire swords flashing and flames spinning, the Summer’s Guard not only celebrates the epic sagas of formidable female leaders but also symbolises the ferocity of a modern summer—a season that now burns too hot and rebels against its ancient rhythms. Together, they stand as a powerful force, challenging the shifting boundaries of seasons and history.

Practical information:

This year, the two courts – the Winter’s Guard and the Summer’s Guard – will be working closely together to support the two Queens in their journey and their battle ⚔️ (read more about Summer Queen here and Winter Queen here).

The Guards are high commitment support groups – their aim is to support the Summer and Winter Queens in their journeys and fight under their banners in the battle of seasons. The Guards will have joint practices on Thursday, with additional workshops and training sessions on weekends. Stage sword fighting training will be provided, fire and drumming skills are welcome. The groups also provide logistical and admin support for the Queens during the festival run up and on the night (i.e. – help to organise community events, make props). We welcome limited applications from the community to join the Guards, but we do not recommend this group if this is your first festival experience, as the group is ultimately more focused on production support than ritual and performance for individual members.

Commitment level: Medium / High

Expected financial contribution: £45, however we will make sure that the cost is not a barrier for anybody – please get in touch to discuss in private if you have any concerns.

Weekend Away: 20-22 September, location TBC.

Open practice schedule: Thursday 5 September, time TBC.

Projects

Project Organisers: Alex, Simone – fabricsharing@beltane.org

Creating a costume is a big part of the Festival for many, and lots of us have built up a considerable stash of supplies, whilst others may not know where to start. We would like to facilitate sharing, reusing creatively, connecting through generosity, getting free stuff, and making it easier for everyone to make sustainable choices this Samhuinn!

We will be running two fabric swap events in the runup. The first one will be in late September and the second in early October. These will be a chance to bring fabric, props and other costume elements and offer them to others, and get some new-to-you things for your own costume or other projects. More info about the logistics of the swap events will be shared nearer the time!

We will also be putting together some resources, information and tips around fast fashion, textile waste, and where to find secondhand materials. Our exploits will be shared on social media, through GOs and in newsletters, but if you would like to get info directly to your inbox, please sign up using this form.

Kindling

Project Organisers: Hannah Smith – kindling@beltane.org

It’s the Beltane FIRE Society, and the Samhuinn FIRE Festival… but not everyone is comfortable to simply pick up and play with FIRE.

Fire groups might seem too much of a commitment as a complete newbie, maybe you had a stressful experience around fire, maybe you just have that normal evolutionary instinct to be wary of fire that the fire-spinners have trained themselves out of?
And yet… you’ve got a little spark of curiosity to try it?

This Project is for you!

I’m Hannah, I’ve GO’d a fire-spinning group, I was a fiery Summer King, and I’ve done around 8 performance groups that used fire in some form. I’m very confident in helping absolute beginners get comfortable handling and trying out various fire props (while unlit), I’ll give helpful tips and safety info for fire spinning, and I’ll happily help people try out a lit fire prop for the first time. I’ll provide a range of props and the safety equipment, you bring yourself.

If you know how to fire-spin, this is not the project for you. If you want to learn specific spinning tricks, it’s not that either. It’ll be a roughly 60-mins workshop of just getting used to handling fire toys and having a safe space to dip a toe into fire spinning, especially for those who are nervous or unsure. If you don’t want to try fire by the end, that’s fine too!

I’m also GOing so I’ll be doing one workshop in September, one in October, and a couple in November and December 🙂

You can register your interest here.
(I will send an email once I have fully confirmed dates, you will NOT be spammed endlessly!)

Wilder Walkies

Project Organiser: Becky Salter – walkies@beltane.org

As winter approaches we tend to busy ourselves with more indoor activities. We shelter from the Scottishness of the weather and sometimes we miss the beauty in the changing of the seasons- especially when focussing on preparations for the festival. Wilder Walks seeks to get together for a little time out with the rest of the chaos, coming together to connect, maybe learning things about our landscapes, and local ecology and taking in the changes of the darkening days. We might take some time to play or learn some traditional skills associated with the season! Our ancestors would be focussed on harvesting the final bounty of Summer and strengthen their shelters to prepare for Winter- these practices will inspire some of our activities.

Walks will happen every two weeks with any luck, include anyone who wishes to join (sign up to get the details HERE) and try to accommodate mobility needs with varied walk difficulty profiles. All information will be emailed out prior to the walks to our mailing list so people can make informed decisions of what they want to join in on.

Any questions? Ask Becky at walkies@beltane.org
For walk updates join our MAILING LIST (you will only receive about 4 emails from this for each of the walks- promise! I hate emails!)

Closed Groups

Reds

Group Organisers: Hannah Smith, Mary Roche, Oli Chambers – reds@beltane.org

The Reds are Summer creatures of chaos, play and desire. Cheeky, naughty and curious, the Reds see every day as an opportunity for FUN! After awakening on Beltane night, they have spent the summer revelling in debauched frivolity and growing increasingly bold. With Winter on it’s way to bring balance to the unruly passion of Summer’s forces, the Reds are here to defiantly draw out the summer party until the very end.

This will be an acro and character-heavy group with some fire elements, and members recruited from the Beltane 2024 Reds performance.

Veles

Group Organisers: Leia, Javier & Giullia – veles@beltane.org, in collaboration with Sean (character & costume)

Veles!
What is it? What’s a Leshy? Who are you? Why do you scream at trees?
A name whispered through the rustling leaves, an ancient spirit that lingers where shadows meet the light. The Leshy…

We walk the line between protector and trickster, guiding the kind-hearted and leading the unwary astray. With laughter echoing through the trees and a form that shifts with the essence of each woodland we guard. Both feared and revered, we may bestow gifts upon those who honour us and our forest, yet can ignite the flames of fear or weave illusions that bewilder the senses. We remind all who wander of our forests’ ancient, unpredictable powers…

Our group is focused on deepening the journey of established Veles characters, along with those who have been involved or have a strong connection to their stories. We are dedicated to exploring new dimensions of these stories, with a strong emphasis on character work, and the incorporation of fire, sound and sensory elements in our narratives.

With plenty of moss and bark, the Leshy creatures of Veles, for now, remain in the dark…