Sunday 15th - Saturday 21st June 2025

Peebles March Riding & Beltane Queen Festival 2025

NOMINATIONS are being sought for key positions in this year’s Beltane Festival. The annual event, which takes place across the third week in June, has been celebrated since 1897 – although its roots stretch much further back in time. Now the Peebles March Riding & Beltane Queen Festival Committee is seeking nominations for the positions of Cornet, Warden of Neidpath and Crowning Lady.

Members of the public are asked to write a short note or letter giving details of their nomination and for which role.

George Blair, Beltane secretary, said: “It would be very helpful but not necessary if details of why the nomination is being submitted could be included.” He added: “It is not necessary but it would again be helpful if the details could include if the nominee is aware of his or her name being submitted and if he or she would accept the position.” Parents can nominate their children and, likewise, sons and daughters can nominate their parents or other relatives. Members of the public can make any nomination as can clubs or associations.

Once the nominations are all in, a small sub committee consisting of the chairman, vice chairman and three committee members will discuss all the names at length over two or three meetings before reaching the important decisions. After that, the Beltane Principals will be introduced in the Burgh Hall in April. Beltane Week itself takes place this year from 15th to 21st June.

Nominations should be sent to secretary George Blair, 7 Standalane Way, Peebles EH45 8LR, or alternatively emailed to secretary@peeblesbeltanefestival.co.uk. The deadline to submit nominations is Saturday 1st March 2025.

For more information, including an idea of the commitments involved in the above roles, do not hesitate to contact the secretary above.

More from the Beltane Blog

Galashiels ride – Lindean

Tonight saw Cornet's Lass Caitlin Hamilton with her support Rianna Sterricks taking part in the Galashiels Lindean rideout.

Item Returns

We hope everyone had a great Beltane. It was great to see the town turned red and white and the work that had gone into house decorations. The Beltane hut will be open this Thursday 26th and Friday 27th June, from 6:30pm until 9pm, for returns.

UPDATED: Crowning Ceremony – Warm Weather Decision

After careful consideration, following the slightly cooler start to the day, and the predicted cloud cover in the next couple of hours, the decision has been taken to revert to the church steps for the ceremony. Suitable actions will be taken to encourage children to sit whenever they can and a water will be available for all of them.

Peebles Beltane Festival on ITV News

Clare McNeill's piece on ITV Border this evening, covering last night’s Riding of the Marches.