Nightwatch is a welcoming group of Stewards and Torchbearers. Together we hold the space
between the audience witnesses and the performers. We guard the May Queen as she
journeys around Calton Hill.

Stewards, clad in high-vis, help answer questions from the audience, guide them and hold
the performance space. They are also part of the fire safety for the festival.
Torchbearers in their black cloaks provide light for the performance in the form of open fire
carried in long metal torches.

We have many skills to learn, such as crowd engagement and safe fire handling. Sessions
will be fun and educational, using techniques and games like improvisation and storytelling –
getting prepared for the unexpected.

If you are curious about the Beltane Fire Society but aren’t sure how to get involved,
Nightwatch is a brilliant place to start. You see the festival close up, make new friends, get to
know the other groups and see what it’s all about. Many stewards and torchies go on to take
part in other groups – most long serving members of the Society have been one 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 INFORMATION

 Nightwatch is a low(ish) commitment group. Regular meetings will be on Sunday
afternoons 2pm to 5pm on Calton Hill, with a social option afterwards. There will be
other optional meetings on Wednesday evenings 7-9pm and some Sunday mornings
11am to 1pm at Beltonia for things like costume or torch ball making.

 To join the group on the Beltane night, you have to be able to attend at least two
Sunday practices, a health and safety brief, a fire safety session, come along to at
least (ideally both) walkthroughs (13th and 27th April). Torchbearers should also
attend at least one torch ball session.

 For our social events, there will be up to four creative, nature-based events, like
mindful walking, exploring the woods by night or foraging. These are entirely
voluntary.

 While there will be no direct financial contribution, members will need to have leather
gloves and suitable fireproof clothing on the night. There may also be additional costs
for costuming, for example for cloaks.

Being in the Nightwatch involves 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 can
definitely find something that will work for everyone.

Contact: nightwatch@beltane.org

To express your interest in joining the group, please sign up to our mailing list here
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOcF6KQBGrI6JIb2DKC2Tk0BIrgrgyYe3HMYI2aGYFrmlZ9Q/viewform?usp=sharing

Please note the cut-off dates for joining Nightwatch are 30 th March for torchbearers and 6 th
April for Stewards. Experienced members of BFS may join after those dates at the GOs
discretion.