Samhuinn Fire Festival 2024: Everything You Need to Know About Edinburgh’s Epic Halloween Celebration

If you're looking to swap pumpkin carving for something a bit more exciting this Halloween, the 2024 Samhuinn Fire Festival in Edinburgh is the place to be.

This is not your average bonfire and sparkler event—oh no. It’s a spectacular celebration of the Celtic New Year, complete with fire-dancing, acrobatics, drumming, and a battle between mythical queens.

Held at Holyrood Park under the shadow of Arthur’s Seat, this festival brings ancient traditions to life in one of the most atmospheric locations in Edinburgh.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Samhuinn Fire Festival.

What is the Samhuinn Fire Festival?

In case you're wondering what all the fire and festivities are about, Samhuinn (pronounced "Sow-in") marks the ancient Celtic festival that celebrates the turning of the seasons—from the warmth of summer to the chill of winter.

Organised by the Beltane Fire Society, this annual event brings together hundreds of volunteers for a theatrical procession through Edinburgh’s streets (well, Holyrood Park now) on 31st October, featuring an epic battle between the Summer and Winter Queens.

The festival is deeply rooted in Celtic folklore, where the night of Samhuinn represents a liminal time when the boundary between the physical world and the spirit world is at its thinnest. The fire is a symbol of protection as winter’s darker, colder days settle in. Think of it as an ancient New Year’s Eve party, but with more fire and fewer dodgy countdowns.

What Can You Expect This Year?

The 2024 Samhuinn Fire Festival will kick off at 6:45 pm and run until 10:00 pm at Holyrood Park, offering a mix of fire-play, acrobatics, drumming, and performances that will transport you to another world.

You’ll get to witness the symbolic clash of the Summer and Winter Queens, along with an otherworldly parade of mystical creatures, all while fire jugglers and acrobats light up the sky. It’s a bit like an ancient Celtic carnival, only with more flames.

The grand finale will see the seasonal transition symbolised by the Cailleach, a powerful figure in Celtic mythology, making her preparations for winter’s arrival. There’s really no better way to say goodbye to summer and usher in the darker months than watching this fiery showdown unfold.

Where is it Held?

This year, the Samhuinn Fire Festival will take place in Holyrood Park, right under Arthur’s Seat. For those unfamiliar, that’s one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks, giving the whole event an even more mystical feel.

It used to be held on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, but the growing crowd size meant a move to Calton Hill in 2018. Now, it’s settled in the stunning landscape of Holyrood Park to allow for more space and better views of the fiery spectacle.

Tickets and Practical Info

Tickets for the Samhuinn Fire Festival 2024 are priced at £8 for adults and £6 for under-16s.

Be sure to grab them from the official box office partner, Citizen Kind—if a website asks for your credit card details outside of this, it’s probably dodgy.

This is a hugely popular event, so don’t leave it to the last minute or you might find yourself missing out on the fun.

The ground in Holyrood Park is a bit, well, uneven, and if it’s raining (which let’s face it, this is Scotland in October), the grass can get pretty slippery. Wear your sensible shoes—we’re talking good walking boots, none of those fancy trainers. And don’t forget a torch or lantern, because despite the fire, parts of the park will be pretty dark. Look after each other, take your time, and you’ll be fine.

A Quick Look at the History and Folklore

The Samhuinn Fire Festival is rooted in ancient Celtic traditions. Samhuinn itself dates back centuries, marking the end of the harvest season and the start of winter, which the Celts considered the beginning of their new year. The Celts believed that on the night of Samhuinn, the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to cross into the physical world. To ward off any troublesome ghosts or mischievous faeries, fires were lit, and protective rituals were performed.

The Beltane Fire Society, who host the event, aim to bring these ancient rituals to life with a modern twist. The battle between the Summer Queen and the Winter Queen is symbolic of the shifting seasons, with the Winter Queen eventually triumphing, as the cold, darker days begin to take hold.

Food, Drink, and Getting Around

You won’t go hungry at the Samhuinn Fire Festival—there’ll be a selection of food stalls run by local businesses offering a range of treats, including vegan options. So, whether you’re craving a hot snack to keep you warm or something a bit more filling, there’ll be something to munch on.

And don’t worry about having to cart along loads of provisions—just bring yourself, your ticket.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss Samhuinn Fire Festival 2024

If you’ve never been to the Samhuinn Fire Festival, you’re missing out on one of Edinburgh’s most magical nights of the year. It’s more than a spectacle—it’s a chance to connect with ancient traditions, watch an epic fire-lit performance, and celebrate the changing of the seasons in the most dramatic way possible.

So, grab your torch, get your boots on, and prepare to be wowed by the battle between Summer and Winter. Samhuinn 2024 promises to be an unforgettable night—and a perfect way to ring in the Celtic New Year.

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