About Peebles Beltane Festival

Peebles Beltane Festival is a cherished, vibrant tradition that brings the town of Peebles in the Scottish Borders alive every June. It’s not only a celebration of local heritage, but also a cornerstone of the town’s cultural identity.

The Beltane Principals

The Beltane Principals are at the heart of Peebles Beltane Festival, and they carry deep symbolic, civic, and ceremonial importance. These individuals, drawn from the local community, are selected with care and pride to represent Peebles during the week-long celebrations. Each has a defined role steeped in tradition, with duties that span from ceremonial appearances to community leadership during the festival.

The Rideouts

The rideouts are a traditional mounted procession led by the Cornet and joined by many — sometimes hundreds — of riders. In the Scottish Borders, rideouts are a cherished part of Common Riding and festival culture, dating back centuries. Originally, these were practical events, checking the town boundaries to guard against encroachment, but today they are largely ceremonial and symbolic. In Peebles the rideouts are central to Beltane Week, and they reflect the town’s pride, history, and rural heritage.

The Fancy Dress Contest and Parade

The Fancy Dress Contest and Parade are among the most anticipated events of Peebles Beltane Festival. These festivities take place on the Friday evening and showcase the town's vibrant community spirit, with participants of all ages donning imaginative costumes - often weeks or months in the making - and joining the lively procession through the streets of Peebles.