The ancient Celtic tradition, that goes back more than 3,000 years, marks the changing of the seasons and attracts huge crowds every year.
Organised by the Beltane Fire Society, the event was first performed in it’s current form in 1988, and is a reinterpretation of the centuries old ritual that thrills audiences with captivating storytelling, fire spinning, music and dance.
Around 6,800 people attended the event on Wednesday night, where they followed the procession around the historic site, that sees the May Queen and the Green Man lead hoards spectators around Calton Hill as they visit elemental points on the hill and pay respect to the elements.
Here are 18 pictures from the Beltane Fire Festival 2025.
13. Fiery tempered
The Reds "are uncontainable creatures" who "go as they please during the procession’s ritual journey around the Hill" | NW
14. Bonfire
Towards the end of the evening, performers celebrated the beginning of the warmers around a bonfire | Lanta Anastasia Fraerman
16. Fire spinners
Beltane performers aim to showcase the strength of elemental fire and its importance to people, flora and fauna | NW