Thousands of revellers descended on Calton Hill to take part in an ancient Celtic tradition on Sunday night, April 30.
Edinburgh’s night sky was lit up for the Beltane Fire Festival, which celebrates the beginning of summer. Hundreds of performers acted out a ritual, which tells the story the ‘May Queen’ and the ‘Green man’, at the yearly event.
Here are 10 dazzling photos of Edinburgh’s Beltane Fire Festival event.
Here are 10 dazzling photos of Edinburgh’s Beltane Fire Festival event.
5. A torchlight procession
Performers dressed in stunning costumes march up Calton Hill as part of a torchlit procession. Photo: Stephen Jack
6. Performers embrace
Two performers embrace as they celebrate the arrival of summer, at the peak of Edinburgh's Calton Hill. Photo: Ross Cameron
7. Bright fires
A performer smiles widely, as he plays with fire at the 2023 Beltane Fire Festival. The name of the festival, Beltane, is thought to have derived from a Celtic word meaning 'bright fire'. Photo: Scott A. Winchester
8. Revelries on Calton Hill
Over 8,000 people gathered to watch the night's revelries on Calton Hill. Photo: Elliot Erskine