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Samhuinn Fire Festival

Samhuinn Fire Festival

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About This Event

The Samhuinn Fire Festival will take place at Calton Hill in Edinburgh New Town on 31 October 2026. This event marks the transition from Summer to Winter through fire-play, drumming, and immersive performances. The narrative follows a stand-off between the Summer and Winter Kings overseen by the Cailleach.

Counter balancing our sister event on Calton Hill, Beltane Fire Festival, Samhuinn Fire Festival marks the transition from Summer to Winter with our characteristic mix of fire-play, drumming, and immersive performances. Our Society has often celebrated the other quarter-day festivals, and after the large success of our namesake (Beltane), Samhuinn was our next public event in Scotland, first taking place in 1995. Samhuinn Fire Festival is a modern re-imagining of an ancient Celtic festival, marking the darkened end of summer and upcoming rise of winter. The story follows the overthrowing of Summer by Winter, with a dramatic stand-off between the Summer and Winter Kings. This is overseen by the Cailleach, a Celtic representation of the Goddess, or Divine Hag, who ultimately decides each King’s fate and ushers in the looming, colder months. The transformation from Summer to Winter is supported by the energies and interactions of the Summer and Winter courts through fiery performance, music and dance. The narrative focuses on resolving seasonal conflict, but also highlights the transition that many aspects of life embark on during the changing of the seasons. Samhuinn Fire Festival originally took place on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, but starting in 2018, the Festival was also held on Calton Hill. In 2026 we return to Calton Hill and invite you to join us around the Samhuinn Bonfire, which will be lit at the start of the rituals!

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Frequently asked questions

Samhuinn Fire Festival takes place on Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 18:30.

Samhuinn Fire Festival is held at Calton Hill in Edinburgh (, Edinburgh New Town EH7 5AA).

Yes — hotels within walking distance of Calton Hill can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.

Tickets for Samhuinn Fire Festival can be booked via beltane.org using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.