The Peebles Beltane Festival is one of Scotland’s most unique traditional festivals, rich in local legend, history and tradition. Rooted in ancient Beltane traditions, the event marks the arrival of summer and people came together to light bonfires to welcome the new season. While the tradition of the Riding of the Marches dates back centuries, locals revived the Peebles event in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Since then, it has grown into a cherished tradition. Each year, a young man is appointed as Cornet to carry the Burgh Standard around the town’s boundaries. He is joined by the Beltane Queen, a local schoolgirl chosen to represent the festival’s spirit in a vibrant crowning ceremony.

Modern festivities blend pageantry, horsemanship, music, and community celebrations, drawing locals and visitors alike to this historic Scottish Borders town.

When is Peebles Beltane Festival?

Traditionally, Peebles Beltane Festival takes place every year in the third week of June. Exact dates can vary, so please see our events calendar for further details. 

What to Expect: Festival Week Schedule

Unique to Peebles, the town has one ride out day for the festival, while other days are packed with sports events, dances, and a hotly contested fancy dress parade. Running from Sunday until Saturday, the most important days are Wednesday and Saturday, known as Red Letter Day, when the celebrations culminate in the crowning of the Beltane Queen.

Wednesday: Installation of the Cornet and Riding of the Boundaries

On Wednesday night, the must-see Peebles ride out takes place. Though routes can vary slightly from year to year, riders typically cross local farm lands, riverside paths and hill tops.

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6pm: Installation of the Cornet and Cornet’s Lass

Officials, dignitaries and spectators gather at the War Memorial Triangle and proceed along the High Street to Peebles Parish Church. There, the Beltane Festival Chairman leads the ceremony to install the Cornet, Cornet’s Lass and their Supporters. In a symbolic moment, the Cornet’s Lass pins the Cornet’s ribbon to the burgh flag, known as the Bussing of the Colours, marking the start of his duties. He then leads the cavalcade of horses on the Riding of the Marches.

7pm: Address by the Warden of Neidpath

The principal party rides to Neidpath Castle, where the Warden of Neidpath is officially installed. The Warden delivers the annual address, with replies from the Cornet and Festival Chairman. Afterwards, the party reunites with the cavalcade, ready to continue on their route.

8.30pm: Fording of the River Tweed at Hay Lodge Park

In one of the most spectacular scenes of the festival, riders ford the River Tweed at Fotheringham Bridge in Hay Lodge Park. Spectators traditionally shout ‘Safe In, Safe Oot’ as they make their way through the water.

9pm: Beltane Bell Race at Peebles Golf Course

The cavalcade makes its way to Peebles Golf Course, where a number of races for all ages and abilities are held. The most famous and sought after however, is the historic Beltane Bell Race.

10.15pm: Cornet’s Reel and High Street Celebrations

The principal party and supporters gather at Tontine Square outside the local hotel of the same name. Here, the Cornet, Lass and Supporters dance the Cornet’s Reel accompanied by the local pipe band. The day’s celebrations are brought to a close with the offer of the Australian Stirrup Cup and the award of the Beltane Bell to the race winner.

Saturday: Red Letter Day and Crowning of the Beltane Queen

Saturday marks the final day of Peebles Beltane Festival but also the highlight for many, with decorated houses, parades, music, and the coronation of the Beltane Queen.

8.30am: Ride Out to Cademuir Hill

The day starts early with the rideout over Morning Hill and Cademuir Hill. As the riders make their way back to Peebles, they join the procession through the town.

9.15am: Festival Parade and Proclamation of the Beltane Fair

Hundreds of school children to parade along the High Street while the Official Party gathers at the Mercat Cross for the Proclamation of the Beltane Fair. The Cornet is presented with a medal by the Festival Chairman, before leading the Official Party and to Peebles Parish Church.

9.30am: Crowning of the Beltane Queen

The Cornet leads the Beltane Queen’s carriage to the church steps, where she takes her place on the festival throne. The coronation ceremony is followed by the reading of the Queen’s Royal Will and Command, as well as performances of the Beltane Song and Coronation Ode.

11.15am: Grand Procession through Peebles

After the coronation, the Cornet leads the Queen, her Court, and a spectacular Grand Procession through the town.

1pm: Service of Remembrance and Conclusion of the Festival

The day concludes with a moving Service of Remembrance at the County War Memorial. The newly crowned Beltane Queen, Festival Chairman, and other principals lay wreaths, with performances of the ‘Lament’, ‘Last Post’, and ‘Reveille’ offering a respectful tribute.

Unique Local Traditions 

The festival officially begins with the Installation of the Cornet at the Parish Church on Wednesday. From there, the Cornet and principal party ride out to inspect the eastern boundaries of Peebles. A particular highlight along the route is their visit to Neidpath Castle, where the Warden of Neidpath is ceremoniously installed.

One of the key sporting moments is the Beltane Bell Race, held at Peebles Golf Club. The bell is a replica of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell, gifted by the United States Peeblesshire Society in 1910. Riders race along the course marked out on the golf course, hoping to claim this historic honour. Centuries ago, this would have covered a 3-mile stretch but today’s racecourse is only a few hundred yards long.

Best Viewing Spots and Spectator Access

Want to catch the action? On the main days of Peebles Beltane Festival, these are the best spots to watch:

  • High Street, Peebles: Watch the cavalcade of horses on Wednesday (6pm), and the parade on Saturday (9.15am).
  • Fotheringham Bridge, Peebles (8.30pm): Make your way to Hay Lodge Park to see the fording of the River Tweed.
  • Peebles Golf Course (9pm): Witness up to 250 horses gallop up the local hills and take in the stunning scenery.