Crowds gathered on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill for the Samhuinn Fire Festival on Halloween.
Described as a “modern re-imagining of an ancient Celtic festival”, organisers say it marks the transition from summer to winter.
The event featured “fire-play”, performance and drumming.
Organisers say it tells the story of winter overthrowing summer, with a “dramatic stand-off” between the Summer and Winter Kings.
Cailleach, a Celtic representation of the Goddess, or Divine Hag, decides the fate of each King and ushers in the coming winter months.
The festival was held at Calton Hill for the first time in 2018 after previously taking place on the Royal Mile.
Here are some pictures capturing the drama and spectacle of Edinburgh’s 2026 Samhuinn.
13. Crossing threshold
Like Beltane, Samhuinn was seen as a liminal or threshold festival, when the boundary between this world and the other world thinned, making contact with the spirits more likely. | Jane Barlow/Press Association
14. Seasonal overthrow
The action at Samhuinn centres on the overthrow of Summer by Winter. | Jane Barlow/Press Association
15. Dramatic stand-off
The story culminates with a dramatic stand-off between the Summer and Winter Kings, overseen by the Cailleach, a Celtic representation of the Goddess, or Divine Hag. | Jane Barlow/Press Association
16. Fierce fire
The fantastic masks worn by the performers add to the drama of the conflict. | Jane Barlow/Press Association