Beltane is Mayday (1st of May), where the start of the summer and the return of the sun are celebrated by the lighting of fires and a parade of dancers and drummers throughout the night. The festival begins at sundown and true followers will be around at dawn to wash their faces in the early morning dew. (It's said to make you beautiful for the year to come!)
Edinburgh's Beltane festival was cancelled in 2003 due to the vast number of people attending and the damage they caused to Calton Hill in the city centre. This year it was reinstated by public demand as a ticketed event, costing £3 in advance (tickets from the Hub on the Royal Mile) or £5 on the gate. This includes entry to the club night afterwards from 1am to 5am. The local council had attempted to make the festival dry, but relented at the last minute to allow alcohol in to the site (essential to toast the sun and the queen of May). At the gates they provided plastic containers into which glass bottles had to be decanted for safety.
The festivities started around 9pm although the gates were open from 6.30pm. Going early will not guarantee that you see all the parades as the crowds tend to be large and follow the action, however you will see some street entertainers and hear the drumming. There are also a number of performers in character which you will meet. Many of the crowd are also in costume, with the queen of May being a popular choice.
The night is excellent and atmospheric, with the primal images of fire and sounds of drumming, which is followed by a great club night. The location on Calton Hill means it is easily accessible, and close to a number of pubs and clubs for pre- or post- beltane celebration.