IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC HEALTH, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. READ BELTANE FIRE SOCIETY’S FULL STATEMENT.

Beltane Fire Festival is back with its modern twist on ancient Celtic traditions.

With blazing pyrotechnics, immersive theatre, and elaborate costumes, we show Summer the warm welcome it deserves while celebrating the rituals and stories that continue to shape us.

For one special night, hundreds of otherworldly creatures will descend on Calton Hill to mark the turn of the wheel. When the drums start to thunder, the May Queen awakens and leads the Green Man and their followers on a transformative journey through the night. Only when the Green Man has shed his wintry guise can he take his rightful place by the May Queen and rule alongside her through the warmer months.

Witness Summer’s ascendance on Thursday 30th April with a spectacular procession, interactive performances, and the traditional lighting of the Beltane bonfire.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket.

WHEN?

Thursday 30th April, starting at 8.00pm (sundown) and finishing with the ritual lighting of the Neid fire. The event will close around midnight.

WHERE?

Calton Hill, Edinburgh – entrances from Carriage Drive and Waterloo place.

HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?

£11 (including booking fee) advance
£15 on the day of the festival
£5.50 (including booking fee) concession

A limited number of low income tickets are available at £5.50

There is no need to collect a physical ticket from the box office. All tickets will be emailed to you before the event.

Please note that if advance tickets sell out before the festival, there will be none available at the gate on the day of the event.

IS BELTANE FAMILY FRIENDLY?

Families with children are welcome at parents’ discretion. Many of the spectacles are performed with little clothing, and a great deal of enthusiasm. It’s up to you to decide what’s appropriate for the younger members of your family. All children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult and have their own separate ticket. Children under 2 years old go free.

Please see our Accessibility section below for a fuller description of the performance to help you decide whether Beltane will be suitable for your wee ones.

We are also hosting a FAMILY BELTANE event, which will be a fun afternoon of storytelling and drama games. Details about this will be released soon.

ACCESSIBILITY

Customers using a wheelchair can get access to the hill using the accessible entrance on Carriage Drive, but please be aware that due to the nature of the event there are no viewing platforms. Some hard standing is available but the grassed area of the hill can be uneven. A wheelchair-accessible toilet will be available.

Carers for patrons with a disability or otherwise requiring accompaniment will be provided with a free ticket.

Calton Hill involves a sloping ascent and the festival takes place in darkness with some areas becoming very crowded, so you may want to consider attending with a friend and arriving early to ensure your comfort. Care should be taken moving around the Hill, as the ground away from the paths is uneven and can get a bit slippery if it rains.

Witnesses with mobility considerations often prefer to head straight to the stage area at the beginning to find a great place to watch from. Our friendly stewards will be on hand to help you get situated and give you any information you might need. Look out for the painted people in orange hi-vis jackets.

There will be loud noises, mostly in the form of drumming, and some flashing lights in the form of pyrotechnics and flash photography. Some costumed performers will be mingling, in character, with our witnesses throughout the evening. There will be some partial nudity.

The festival is stewarded and complies with all relevant health and safety requirements but please be aware that it takes place in the dark with a mobile audience of thousands.

BFS cannot advise on parking or accommodation in, or travel to or within, Edinburgh.

For accessibility-related questions, please email access[at]beltane[dot]org in advance.

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