2026 Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh Scotland as Red Drummers join Pyrosphere fire team in dance

Part of the magical 'Beltane Fire Festival' on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, an annual, vibrant celebration held on April 30th, marking the start of summer and the return of life to the land. Here the red drummers, known as Beastie Drummers, bring their energy and rhythms to join the fire display teams in a form of dance. The Beltane fire group are Pyrosphere, part of the Beltane Fire Society, supported by members of PyroCeltica. For more videos from this event (coming soon) and across Scotland, see our channel ‪@BraemarMedia‬ Originating from ancient Gaelic traditions, the festival features fire performances, drums, acrobatics, and immersive, costumed performances organised by the Beltane Fire Society. The Beastie Drummers (or simply Beasties), work closely with the "Reds" (Lords and Ladies of Misrule). They represent chaotic, high-energy, and playful spirits that bring the "heartbeat" of summer to the procession with fast, celebratory, and party-focused performances, providing a rhythmic counterpoint to the more structured, orderly, dark groups in the festival procession. Their behaviour is playful and mischievous, interacting with the crowd and often dancing and playing with other performers. They play a mix of djembes, bass drums, toms, snares, and shaker instruments to create a lively sound. #beltane #beltanefirefestival #caltonhilledinburgh #reddrummers #pyrosphere #firejuggling