The Beltane Fire Society (BFS) is a diverse, community-led group of volunteers who come together to celebrate the ancient Celtic festivals of Beltane and Samhuin through artistic and theatrical expression. A number of organisations have recently changed their policies to pander to the far-right and make their spaces less safe for people who diverge from perceived societal norms. The Beltane Fire Society will not be doing so.

We acknowledge that some far-right groups wish to misappropriate Celtic traditions for their own purposes, including to fuel trans-exclusionary, gender-based, racial or religious hatred and discrimination, and to advance white supremacy. We want to be crystal clear that the BFS does not and will not endorse or support any form of hate or discrimination, whether in our leadership, our membership, our performances, or any other event that we organise or are taking part in. Anyone participating in any capacity is required to sign an agreement saying that they embrace these principles. 

To be clear, membership is not open to those: 

• who actively or tacitly hold far-right ideologies.
• who discriminate, or promote discrimination against people based on their gender or gender identity (including trans and non-binary identities), race, immigration status, disability or sexuality.
• who produce content for the far-right.
• whose actions continue to support the far-right once informed of how that is happening.

Our events are open to people of all cultures, genders, abilities and inspirations. We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming, and culturally heterogeneous environment where everyone can celebrate the beauty and diversity of our shared cultural heritage. We explicitly welcome trans and gender-nonconforming members, respect their identities and right to exist as their authentic selves. The traditional Celtic roots to our festival are inclusive and for all to experience; we welcome people who wish to celebrate their own cultural heritage as part of our festival, be it Celtic or otherwise.

We are proud to bring together artists, performers, and participants from many different backgrounds and traditions to create a unique and vibrant expression of Beltane. Our festival is constantly being recreated and reimagined by our current participants. It is not a museum to the past but an ever-evolving ritual performance. We remain committed to promoting community, creativity, and artistic expression in Scotland, and we invite everyone who shares these values to join us in celebrating this ancient festival in their own way.

We have zero-tolerance for those who promote hatred and bigotry, and we will not enter into a debate on this. They have no place in the BFS community, or at BFS events.