Beltane Fire Festival: Night of fire and magic on Calton Hill

Published on 01/05/2012 02:58

HUNDREDS of revellers headed to Calton Hill in Edinburgh last night to celebrate Beltane and to watch the crowning of the May Queen.

Hordes of red men and white women swarmed around the Acropolis for the festival – the 25th staged by the Beltane Fire Society.

Thousands of spectators watched as roaming performers and drummers entertained the crowds and giant fire sculptures lit up the sky above the city centre.

Founder Angus Farquhar, head of arts organisation NVA, said the ancient festival was revived to bring a feeling of community and a sense of magic.

He explained: “Beltane took place on Arthur’s Seat for hundreds of years before it was stopped by the Kirk in the late 19th century. It seemed appropriate, as an Edinburgh boy, to reinitiate the festival.”

Pictures: Jane Barlow