This year our enchanted, eerie and extraordinary assembly of Cailleach, Kings, their coterie and all manner of  associated creatures will wend their way back through some familiar land.

The hill knows us.

It has held our stories on its back before.  We’ve worn pathways through its grass and imbued every inch with the magical and the momentous.  Many creatures, great, small, and fiery, have snuck out from beyond the veil and capered to draw in the summer, have revelled through all the long days and are replete with the fruits of their efforts.

Now, though, the Cailleach will return to claim Her hill.  

Will you be at Her side or will you find yourself at Her mercy? 

---

Applications are now open for proposals to run groups and projects as part of the 2025 Samhuinn Fire Festival!

We’d love to see folk come with ideas big and small for this one – how do you show the city that summer is coming to an end?  Go out in blazing summery glory? Bring icy winter to the hill? Puppets and sculptures? Art and Poetry? Competition or collaboration? Whether it’s a grand project, a staple group or just a wee mischief to make: Bring Summer, bring Winter and bring fresh ideas!

---

---

If you want to organise a group or a project for Samhuinn, read the documents linked below and submit the GO application form before the end of 8th August, 2025.

Documents

• Group Organiser & Project Application Guidance (having troubles with the form? Start here!)
• Group Organiser / Project Application Form
• GO Agreement and Role Description
• BFS Code of Conduct

Why Become a Group Organiser?

As a Group Organiser (GO), you will play a central role in co-creating the Samhuinn story for 2025.

Whether you’re a seasoned Samhuinn veteran or completely new to the festival, this is your opportunity to jump in: as a GO, you have the opportunity to create your own story and shape how it plays into the rest of the festival: you make the festival what it is, and contribute to shaping its story and its execution. You will be able to bring your creativity, ideas and skills to the wider community, to share in our collective effort to mark the seasons and the quarter days in a meaningful way and to design, from the ground up, an amazing journey for a bunch of folks who have rallied to your and our collective vision for The Night.

If you’re passionate about performance or production, whether it’s a dazzling performance group or a crucial production group like Stewards or Tech your contributions will be vital to the festival’s success.

Let’s create something amazing together.

What We’re Looking For

Performance Groups: Drummers, dancers, fire spinners, puppeteers, mythical creatures, and more! Do you have an idea for a group that fits the Samhuinn theme? Now’s the time to submit your proposal. All you need is a plan, co-organisers, and a story that weaves into the larger Samhuinn narrative. If you have any questions on how your story might fit into the overall festival, feel free to contact Blues: blues@beltane.org

Production Groups: We’re especially seeking applications for production groups – Stewards, Tech, Torchbearers, Photopoint  – who ensure the festival runs smoothly and safely. These roles are absolutely essential for the festival and offer a great opportunity to give something back to the community while still having a lot of fun. With support from the Front of House Coordinator and Production & Site Coordinator, you’ll have all the guidance you need to lead your group successfully.

Projects: Our community is bursting with creativity and imagination. If you have an idea that you would like to make a reality but doesn’t fit with a group structure, or require recruitment of additional volunteers, please read the Group Organiser & Project Application Guidance and submit a Project proposal before the deadline. Any questions, you’re welcome drop us a line to goapplications@beltane.org

How to Apply

Ready to dive in? Start by reading the application guidance linked above, then fill in the new GO application online form and submit it by 23:59 on Friday August 8th. The GO Selection Panel comprises members of the Board and Blues and will be meeting shortly after that to assess the applications, and we hope to inform all applicants of our decision soon after that.

Let’s bring Samhuinn back to the hill.

Much love,

BFS Board & Blues