17 great pictures of Edinburgh's Samhuinn 2026 fire festival to mark the start of winter

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.

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