Everything You Need To Know About The Beltane Fire Festival 2025

The Beltane Fire Festival is back for 2025, and this year it’s burning brighter, wilder, and a little more rooted in the earth. If you’ve never been before, prepare for a heady mix of ancient Celtic ritual, theatrical fire-play, and wild drumming that’ll rattle your bones in the best possible way.

Ready to welcome the summer? Let’s dive in.

What Actually Is the Beltane Fire Festival?

Beltane is a modern reimagining of an Iron Age Celtic celebration that’s been around for over three millennia. Once upon a time, it was all about marking the shift from winter’s darkness to the warmer, greener days ahead. These days, it's a mesmerising combination of fire, folklore and some seriously committed face paint.

Every year on the 30th of April, thousands gather on Calton Hill in Edinburgh to watch the May Queen and the Green Man tell their tale – a symbolic journey from death to rebirth, acted out through dance, music, fire and pure theatrical flair. The event has been running in its current form since 1988, but its roots stretch far, far deeper.

What’s New for 2025?

This year’s theme is all about rewilding – digging into what it means to reconnect with nature and each other, not just ecologically but culturally and spiritually too.

Expect costumes made from foraged materials, a symbolic seed exchange led by the May Queen, and a focus on nurturing, renewal and growth – both of the self and the soil.

Also new this year is a community seed exchange throughout the festival, where you’re invited to bring seeds to share or pick up something new to plant. It’s all about spreading a bit of Beltane magic long after the fire’s gone out.

What You’ll See (And Hear. And Feel. And Probably Smell.)

Beltane is a full-sensory experience. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

• The Sacred Fire Lighting: Sparks fly (literally) as the ceremonial flames are lit, symbolising the return of light and warmth after the long winter. It’s dramatic, it’s powerful, and it kicks everything off in style.

• The May Queen and Her Procession: Regal, commanding and covered in symbolism, the May Queen leads the festival with a procession of performers, dancers, and musicians, all moving through the crowd like a living myth.

• The Green Man’s Journey: Think death, rebirth, transformation and a fair bit of interpretive fire dancing. His symbolic return brings life back to the land – and also makes for some epic theatre.

• Fire everywhere: From poi spinning and flaming staffs to controlled chaos and acrobatics, fire is centre stage. Don’t be surprised if your jaw drops once or twice.

• Drums, drums and more drums: You’ll feel the beat long before you see the performers. Drum troupes pound out rhythms that are guaranteed to get your heart racing and your feet moving, whether you planned to dance or not.

• Wild costumed creatures: From half-human forest spirits to full-body painted goblins, there’s no shortage of weird and wonderful characters lurking in the shadows. Embrace the strange – it’s part of the fun.

When and Where

The festival takes place on Wednesday 30th April 2025, from 7:30pm until 1:00am, on Calton Hill, Edinburgh (EH1 3BJ).

Calton Hill’s right in the city, and easily reached by bus, tram or on foot if you’re already in town. There’s very limited parking, so we’d recommend ditching the car and taking public transport – less faff, more fun.

Tickets

You’ll need to get a ticket in advance via Citizen Ticket. Prices are:

• Adults: £17.45

• Children under 16: £8.88 (must be accompanied by an adult)

This is a not-for-profit event run by the Beltane Fire Society – any extra donation you can afford helps them keep the fire burning for future festivals.

Accessibility and Facilities

The organisers do their best to make the event accessible for all. If you need support with access or would like to request companion tickets or arrange a vehicle drop-off at the top of Calton Hill, drop the team a line at access@beltane.org.

There’s no seating, but you’re welcome to bring a folding chair or a picnic blanket (just follow steward instructions on where to set up). Toilets, including portaloos and urinals, will be available across the site. Food and drink are available from local vendors, with vegan options included.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Dress for the weather: It’s Scotland. In April. Bring layers.

• Costumes are encouraged: Fire-themed, nature-inspired, mythological – go wild.

• Watch your step: Calton Hill is rugged and uneven. Sensible shoes are a must.

• It gets loud: Bring ear defenders if you're sensitive to noise – especially for little ones.

• It gets intense: There’s fire, semi-nudity, and theatrical weirdness. It might not be the best fit for very young or sensitive children – or at least, be prepared to explain some things on the way home.

Want to Get Involved?

Feeling the pull of the flames? You can be part of the magic.

• Become a Steward: Help out behind the scenes and be part of the community that brings Beltane to life. Email stewards@beltane.org to get involved.

• Support the Society: Every ticket helps, but if you’ve got a few extra quid to spare, donations to the Beltane Fire Society help support future events and year-round community projects.

Beltane isn’t just a show – it’s a celebration of life, nature, community and creativity. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned flame-chaser, 2025’s rewilded festival promises fire, connection, and the kind of magic you don’t find just anywhere.

See you on the hill. Don’t forget your seeds.

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