Samhuinn Fire Festival in Edinburgh marks start of winter

The Samhuinn Fire Festival will use ancient Celtic traditions, fire, drumming and acrobatics combined with pyrotechnics and martial arts


The end of summer and start of winter is being marked later with a huge Celtic fire festival in Edinburgh.

The Samhuinn Fire Festival will feature ancient Celtic traditions, fire, drumming and acrobatics combined with pyrotechnics and martial arts.

The event, held in Edinburgh every Halloween night to mark the turning of the seasons, will have space for more spectators on a new bigger route.

It starts at 21:00 from the High Street and finishes at The Mound.

A procession of drums, fire and characters from Celtic lore will make their way from the High Street and down Cockburn Street.

It will then travel along Market Street and down Playfair Steps where there will be a show on stage at The Mound.

King of Summer

Sara Thomas, Samhuinn Fire Festival event co-ordinator, said: "We want everyone to join us tonight. It's a chance to witness a truly unique event, and be part of a traditional Celtic celebration of the end of summer and beginning of winter.

"This year spectators can expect a new procession route, fire, mischief, celebration, drumming and tragedy.

"With the weather already turning, can the King of Summer defend his realm against the oncoming cold, or will the Prince of Winter prevail?

"Also this year we're taking the story online on the night too: use #Samhuinn2014 to share your experience of the night on social media, and get our real-time updates on what's happening."

Samhuinn has been held in Edinburgh since 1995. Its spring and summer counterpart, Beltane, takes place on Calton Hill on the last day of April each year, and has been running since 1988.




A procession of drums, fire and characters from Celtic lore will make their way from the High Street and down Cockburn Street
The event is held in Edinburgh every Halloween night to mark the turning of the seasons
The Samhuinn Fire Festival has been held in Edinburgh since 1995
The festival starts at 21:00 from the High Street and finishes at The Mound
The event will have space for more spectators on a new bigger route
It will travel along Market Street and down Playfair Steps where there will be a show on stage at The Mound
The end of summer and start of winter is being marked later with a huge Celtic fire festival in Edinburgh