Beltane Fire Festival 2026: Everything you need to know for this year's spectacle - dates, tickets and prices

The annual event is inspired by a traditional ancient Gaelic festival - dating back over 3,000 years - which began on the evening before May 1 and marked the beginning of summer.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When and where is it?

The festival takes place on Thursday April 30 on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill.

Gates open at 7:30pm with ticket-holders urged to arrive before 8:30pm.

Organisers said nobody should arrive before 7.15pm

What happens at the Beltane Fire Festival?

The modern Beltane Fire Festival is inspired by the ancient Gaelic festival of Beltane which began on the evening before 1 May and marked the beginning of summer.

The word Beltane roughly translates as “bright fire”.

Historically, the festival was a celebration of the return of the fertility of the land, and would have been a time when livestock would have been put out to pasture.

The modern festival was resurrected in 1988.

A procession starts at the national monument and spirals anti-clockwise around the path up Calton Hill.

It’s led by the May Queen and the Green Man, followed by a cavalcade of characters who are intrinsically linked to them and their journey.

Their destination is punctuated by various groups who either help or hinder their progress towards the Green Man’s fate and the May Queen’s destiny.

After a dramatic stage performance signifying the inception of summer the May Queen and Green Man spark the birth of summer by lighting a huge bonfire.

Jenny Bloom, Chair of the Beltane Fire Society, said: "The winter has been long and the world feels darker than ever.

“But where there's community there is hope - so join us on the Hill as we relight the Beltane fires, drum in the Summer, and reclaim the fierce joy of living"

How can I get tickets?

Tickets are now on sale and can be bought from Citizen Ticket.

Adult tickets cost £15 if booked in advance and £20 on the night if they are available.

Under 18s tickets are £8 in advance and £9.99 on the night.

Tickets for people on low wages are also available for £9.99.

Is there food and drink?

Ticket-holders are welcome to bring their own food and drink to the event, although glass bottles or containers are not permitted.

Security may also refuse entry if you are bring an “excessive quantity” of alcohol.

The event offers “a small range of food concessions run by local businesses” promising a selection of delicious treats.

What should I bring?

Organisers warn the ground on Calton Hill is uneven and when it is raining the grass and rocks can become slippery.

They encourage ticket-holders to wear sensible shoes like walking boots and to bring a torch or flashlight.

As there is no seating, attendees are welcome to bring camping chairs and picnic blankets.

Are children allowed?

Anyone under 16s must be accompanied by an adult with an adult ticket, and must themselves have a valid children’s ticket.

This includes babies, toddlers and school-age children.

The organisers welcome families with young children, but has warned the event features loud noises, body painted characters and fire.

It also contains “semi-nudity and uninhibited behaviour”.

Ear plugs are recommended for small children.

What items are prohibited at the Beltane Fire Festival?

The following items are not allowed at the festival:

• Large Bags/airport luggage please no bigger than an A3 piece of paper
• Glass
• Drums
• Loud instruments
• Fire Props
• BBQs, fire pits or fire wood
• Flammable Liquids
• Dogs (except guide dogs)
• Drones
• any such items that the security team feel represent a danger to public safety or the event’s reputation