^{Image by Martin McCarthy}

Hi, I’m Màiri, and I am Beltane Fire Society’s tenth May Queen. I’ve tried on several titles over the years, including physicist, educator, and activist. I’m looking forward to settling into this one.

The May Queen is many things to many people. In the past she was a child adorned in flowers, paraded through villages. In Beltane Fire Society’s tradition she is our goddess. To me, the May Queen represents that which is fundamental: our shared, incorruptible spirit. She exists in all of us, and in the Earth and sky.

My first Beltane Fire Festival was in 2016. Our May Queen was Anna; the epitome of serenity as she crowdsurfed off the afterparty stage while her drummers (myself included) blasted out the Acropolis rhythms. In the years following, Cáit led with fiery strength, raging against climate change. Rosa bore the courage of abused women, and Alix illuminated themes of decolonisation and expansive rewilding. These May Queens were steadfast in their condemnation of the disenchantment of the earth, the disconnect between ourselves and nature, and the atrocities committed under capitalism. They were, and continue to be, beacons in our community. I send them my gratitude and promise to hold the role of May Queen with the same love and compassion.

To be part of a community so aligned towards radical connection and creative self-expression is an incredible privilege, and, as we move through the sleepy season of winter, I am dreaming of the beautiful moments we will share in the years to come.

^{Image by Nate Kelso / Image by Andy Murray}