Poster Artwork by Lucy Wills Wright
Samhuinn Edinburgh 31 October 2026: Calton Hill Fire Festival Guide
As the nights grow long and the veil thins, Edinburgh gathers on Calton Hill to welcome the dark half of the year.
Friday 31 October 2026
Gates 6.30pm
Calton Hill, Edinburgh
The turning of the wheel
Samhuinn reimagines ancient Celtic traditions through modern performance, telling of the struggle between Summer and Winter, light and dark. On Calton Hill you will find drummers, acrobats, performers and a cavalcade of mysterious characters amidst the transformative fires.
This year the festival looks to radical connection: the strength we find in each other, the wisdom of perspective, and the courage to face our shadows.
At the heart stands the Cailleach, the divine Crone, who asks:
Have you lived with care and courage? Have you supported your community, and looked with nuance?
Guided by the Cailleach, we walk beside her deer through the shifting seasons and witness the Summer and Winter Court battle as the wheel turns.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale and selling fast. If it’s sold out, join the waiting list – refunded tickets are re-released.
Beware of scams
Tickets are sold only through the official box office partner, Citizen Ticket. Never buy from individuals or other platforms, and never trust a site asking for card details to “register”. The event will not be live-streamed.
Can’t make it? Request a refund through the Citizen Ticket app so your ticket can be reallocated. Refunds close at 23:59 on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
On the night
6.30pm: Gates open (last entry 9pm). Approach from the bottom of Regent Road with your QR code ready – keep your phone screen dry.
7.45pm: The Neid Fire – the bonfire is lit.
10.30pm: Rituals scheduled to finish. Please don’t follow performers off stage – leave quietly, leave no trace.
Other timings stay a mystery – some things are best kept secret.
Before you go
Food & drink
Bring your own, but no glass, and no excessive alcohol. Local concessions on site, with vegan options.
Ground & weather
Uneven, sloped, slippery when wet and very dark. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a torch.
Seating
No seating provided. Camping chairs are fine where stewards allow; no picnic sets. Take everything home.
Toilets
At the top of the hill. Go before you come. Accessible portaloos by the first aid area.
Consent
Some characters love to interact. If you’d rather not, visit the orange gazebo after ticket check to learn how to let performers know.
Waste
Recycling and general bins on site. Leave no trace.
Families & under-16s
Under 16s must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
The event contains semi-nudity and uninhibited behaviour – parental discretion is advised.
Children get a wristband with your details; queue on the left of the road for the wristband gazebo.
Access
A taxi / car drop-off point at the top of the hill runs for a limited window before gates open. Because of counter-terrorism barriers, it must be registered in advance. Carer / companion tickets for disabled adults must also be booked ahead.
After buying your ticket, email access [at] beltane [dot] org for the access request form. Forms must be in by 23:59 on 28 October 2026, after which unclaimed companion tickets are released.
Anyone with children or access needs should queue on the right-hand side of Calton Hill Drive.
Rules of the fire
Safer spaces
Mutual respect and consent. Harassment of performers or audience won’t be tolerated – tell a steward if you see something.
Around fire
Stay out of roped-off performance areas, keep 2 metres from fire performers, avoid synthetic clothing, follow stewards. Medical help is at the car park.
Phones & cameras
Better in your pocket. No flash, no lenses in performers’ faces, no walking backwards while filming. Drones are banned.
Not allowed on site
Bags bigger than A3 (Waverley Station has left luggage)
Glass bottles / containers
Drums & loud instruments
Fire props
BBQs, fire pits, firewood
Fireworks
Flammable liquids
Dogs (except guide dogs)
Drones
Random searches apply; the safety team may refuse admission.
Official Samhuinn 2026 page · Facebook
Unofficial information page based on the Beltane Fire Society website – always check the official page for updates. Poster artwork by Lucy Wills-Wright. Beltane Fire Society is a registered Scottish charity, SC040137.