In pictures: Thousands celebrate as Samhuinn Fire Festival welcomes winter

More than 6,000 revellers enjoyed a dramatic fire display in Edinburgh on Thursday evening, marking the annual Samhuinn Fire Festival.

Produced by the Beltane Fire Society, the festivities unfolded at Holyrood Park in the centre of the city to welcome in the colder months.

As part of an ancient Celtic tradition, the end of the warmer months were observed, and the winter season was welcomed, inspired by the Celtic tales of the turning of the wheel.

The event featured an epic battle between the Summer and Winter Queens as The Cailleach prepared for the transition into winter.

Strong winds didn’t deter both performers and revellers alike, with the flames setting the park alight in a burst of colour.

Jenny Bloom, chair of Beltane Fire Society, said: “For thousands of witnesses, and our community of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, last night’s Samhuinn Fire Festival joyfully marked the change of the seasons.

“It’s never easy to say goodbye to the summer – but what better way to welcome the Scottish Winter than a night of crashing drums and clashing swords!”

The modern Samhuinn Fire Festival has been running since 1988 and is the autumn and winter counterpart to
Beltane Fire Festival, which is held at Calton Hill on April 30. The events are immersive experiences, which involve modern re-imaginings of ancient Celtic festivals to mark the turning seasons, and the turning of the wheel.

The Beltane Fire Society is a charity run by volunteers, dedicated to marking the fire festivals of the ancient Celtic calendar and keeping traditional Scottish skills of street theatre, music and pageantry alive.