Beltane Fire Festival

What is the Beltane Fire Festival?

Beltane is the ancient Gaelic festival of the start of summer, traditionally celebrated on the night of April 30 to May 1 with fires to welcome the season of growth. In Edinburgh, it has been reborn as one of the most spectacular nights in Scotland. Every April 30, on Calton Hill, above the city centre, the Beltane Fire Festival brings together hundreds of performers, drummers and fire dancers in a theatrical procession that celebrates the turning of the seasons.

The modern festival was revived in 1988 by a small group of artists and folklorists, with about 50 people attending the first event. It grew quickly, with around 10,000 people by 1999, and is now run by the Beltane Fire Society, a volunteer charity whose members create the costumes, choreography and performances. It is not a reconstruction of a historical ritual but a modern performance inspired by ancient myths and seasonal traditions.

The night tells a story. The procession follows the May Queen and the Green Man around the summit of Calton Hill, through a series of performances by groups of characters: the Whites, the May Queen's attendants; the Reds, wild figures of chaos who try to disrupt the procession; and the Blues, the elders. Along the way, the Green Man dies and is reborn, the procession passes through a fire arch, and the night culminates in the marriage of the May Queen and the Green Man and the lighting of a great bonfire.

With the drums pounding, the fire dancers and the lights of Edinburgh below, it is one of the most atmospheric events in Europe.

What to expect

The festival takes place on a single night, April 30, from the evening until around midnight.

Planning your trip

Getting there

Edinburgh Airport is about 9 kilometres west of the city centre, with tram and bus links. Calton Hill is a short walk from Waverley Station and Princes Street, approached from Regent Road on the night.

Where to stay

Edinburgh has hotels, guesthouses and hostels for all budgets. The city centre and the New Town are within walking distance of Calton Hill. Late April is quieter than the summer festival season, so prices are more reasonable.

What it costs

Entry is by ticket, sold in advance only through the festival's official ticketing partner, with prices in 2026 of about £16 for adults and £9 for children, including the booking fee, and a reduced price for people on low incomes. Resale is not allowed.

Go like you know

• Dress warmly; Edinburgh nights in late April can be cold and windy.
• Bring a torch or use your phone's light on the uneven paths.
• Walk up Calton Hill by day for the views over the city, the castle and the Firth of Forth.
• Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale; the festival sells out.
• Arrive at the opening time, not earlier; the organizers ask visitors not to gather before the gates open.
• Shetland's Up Helly Aa, in January, is Scotland's other great fire festival.
• Edinburgh's Hogmanay brings fire and fireworks to the city at New Year.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Beltane Fire Festival?

Every year on the night of April 30, the eve of May Day. In 2026, the gates opened at 7:30pm and the performance began around 9:25pm. In 2027, April 30 falls on a Friday. Check the Beltane Fire Society's website for the programme and tickets, which usually go on sale in March.

Is it a pagan ritual?

The festival is inspired by the ancient Gaelic festival of Beltane, which marked the beginning of summer, and by myths of the seasons. But it is a modern community performance, created by volunteers since 1988, rather than a religious ceremony, and visitors of all beliefs come to watch.

Is it suitable for children?

Children are welcome, but under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. The festival takes place at night, with fire, loud drums and large crowds on uneven ground, so it may not suit very young children. Keep children close and stay away from the fire performances.