Revellers mark summer arrival in blaze of glory

Published on Monday 2 May 2011 07:54

Thousands of revellers marked the arrival of summer on Calton Hill at this year's Beltane Fire Festival.

Saturday night's event saw a record number of drummers taking part, with the addition of an extra stage in the celebratory procession around the hill.

The pageant marks the beginning of summer by following a parade led by the May Queen as she returns to full strength after winter.

Organiser Matt Dale said: "It was great. We had an extra point called CounterPoint that was the remnants of winter trying to convince the May Queen to stay in winter. That happened just after the Acropolis, at the very beginning, and of course, she decided to go to summer.

"It was pushing one o'clock when the drumming stopped and everyone carried on partying for a while after that."

The event aims to mirror the ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of summer. Each year thousands of visitors, both locals and tourists, are attracted to the hill to see the procession, which includes semi-naked and costumed dancers, moving around the top of the hill by firelight.

The event climaxes with the rebirth of the Green Man, who dances before the lighting of a huge bonfire.

City events champion Councillor Steve Cardownie said: "It was a wonderful success again.

"It's a highlight on the calendar. It's just a small festival in terms of only being one night, but it was spectacular and I think everyone enjoyed themselves."