samhuinn fire festival 2018 richard winpenny edinburgh Samhuinn Fire Festival

Samhuinn Fire Festival Header

31 October 2018

Edinburgh, Scotland

Bit Of Everything Celtic Family Friendly

Edinburgh’s most unique Hallowe’en event returns to the capital this October with one of our biggest Winter festivals yet. 

Some big changes are in the air this year. For the first time ever Samhuinn Fire Festival marks the turn of the seasons at the top of Calton Hill. That means more space, more performers, more drummers, and MORE FIRE.

This Samhuinn Fire Festival will be totally immersive as you wander between hundreds of otherworldly creatures battling it out all over the Hill. Get up close to this spectacular struggle between the seasons, brought to life by wild drumming, fire-dancing, acrobatics, and vibrant costumes. 

Beltane Fire Society

£6 + booking fee in advance

£9 + booking fee on day

Calton Hill, Edinburgh

Beltane Fire Society cannot advise on local accommodation. 

n/a

Calton Hill involves a sloping ascent and the festival takes place in darkness with some areas becoming very crowded, so you may want to consider attending with a friend and arriving early to ensure your comfort. Care should be taken moving around the Hill, as the ground away from the paths is uneven and can get a bit slippery if it rains.

Witnesses with mobility considerations often prefer to head straight to the stage area at the beginning to find a great place to watch from. Our friendly stewards will be on hand to help you get situated and give you any information you might need. Look out for the painted people in orange hi-vis jackets.

There will be loud noises, mostly in the form of drumming, and some flashing lights in the form of pyrotechnics and flash photography. 

Some costumed performers will be mingling, in character, with our witnesses throughout the evening. There will be some partial nudity. 

The festival is stewarded and complies with all relevant health and safety requirements but please be aware that it takes place in the dark with a mobile audience of thousands. 

For accessibility-related questions, please email access[at]beltane[dot]org in advance.

Edinburgh, Scotland