Summer Returns With Drums and Fire
Only a few days left to get tickets for Beltane Fire Festival
In no more than seven days, drums will rumble across Edinburgh’s Calton Hill and torches will be lit to celebrate the beginning of Summer. The annual Beltane Fire Festival will give its audience an atmospheric, immersive experience as performers welcome summer with a procession of fire dancing, drums and physical theatre.
The countdown for fire and drums has begun in earnest now, with tickets only available at the early-bird price of £7.50 (+ booking fee) until 26 April, via www.beltane.org or The Hub. While tickets are usually available on the night too, places are being snapped up fast and organisers are recommending audience members buy in advance to avoid disappointment. The festival has gathered increasing international interest thanks to its unique concept, combining celtic tradition with contemporary arts influences. Since 1988, audiences of up to 12.000 people have gathered on the hill to witness this celebration of the changing seasons.
The Beltane Fire Festival will take place on the 30th of April. After gates open to the public at 8pm, a procession of mythical figures will begin with a huge performance on the National Monument, progressing through an arch of fire and around Calton Hill, awakening characters who will dance and perform with fire and drums, culminating with the lighting of the traditional Beltane bonfire. Sara Thomas, Event Co-Ordinator, said:
“Beltane is unique, this doesn’t happen anywhere else. Each performer brings something special and adds the storytelling, which then collectively shapes the event. And this is what the Beltane Fire Society stands for: sharing an experience and celebrating the changing seasons. We’re all passionate about this event and it binds us together – we want the audience to be part of it too.”
Every year, the performance is conceived and led by volunteers of the Beltane Fire Society. Its members are driven by a will to continue marking celtic fire festivals and to maintain Scottish traditions of street theatre, music and cultural heritage. All the members pro-actively contribute to the event in their own way, bringing a different feel to every festival. William Ferguson, this year’s Green Man, said:
“I was involved in last year’s Samhuinn Festival as part of the tech crew. That first experience left me with an amazing connection with all the beautiful people I met and before I knew it, I was chosen to take on the role of Beltane’s Green Man for this year. I am so thankful to be part of this and eager to explore a new interpretation of this character, alongside the hundreds of performers that give life to this magical event.”
This year’s festival will (as always) come with new firey and theatrical surprises. Once again, the unique event is guaranteed to leave its spectators with plenty of unforgettable and unique memories, until the next turn of the season comes.
