The Principals are the beating heart of Peebles Beltane Festival. They bring ancient symbolism to life in a thoroughly modern, community-centred way. Their roles blend ceremonial grandeur with local pride, involving the entire town in celebration, remembrance, and joy.

The role of the Cornet in Peebles Beltane Festival stands as a central and cherished tradition, embodying the town's rich heritage and community spirit.

Established in 1897, the ancient practice of the "Riding the Marches", a ceremonial journey around the town's boundaries to reaffirm communal rights and unity, was revived to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and the role of Cornet was created to lead the ride.

In contemporary times, the Cornet is a young man, more often than not local, selected annually to lead the festival's equestrian events and represent Peebles throughout the festivities.

The selection process is overseen by the Beltane Festival Committee, which invites nominations from the community. Once chosen, the Cornet is officially installed during a ceremony at the Parish Church steps on Beltane Wednesday.

During this event, the Cornet's Lass pins the Cornet's ribbon to the Burgh Standard in a tradition known as "Bussing the Colours," symbolising the Cornet's commitment to uphold the festival's values.

Responsibilities

The Cornet's duties are both ceremonial and participatory; he leads the Riding of the Marches, a prominent rideout that includes a procession to Neidpath Castle, where the Warden of Neidpath delivers an address. The ride continues over Morning Hill and includes the dramatic fording of the River Tweed at Hay Lodge Park, culminating in horse races on Peebles Golf Course.

Throughout Beltane Week, the Cornet also participates in various events, including the Fancy Dress Parade and the Grand Procession on Beltane Saturday, where he leads a vibrant display of community and cultural pride.

Beyond the public ceremonies, the Cornet serves as a symbol of Peebles' enduring traditions and the collective spirit of its residents. The role demands dedication, as the Cornet represents the town not only during the festival but also in engagements with neighboring communities, fostering goodwill and cultural exchange.

In essence, the Cornet is more than a ceremonial figure; he is a living embodiment of Peebles' history, values, and communal pride, ensuring that the spirit of the Beltane Festival continues to thrive for future generations.

The Cornet’s Lass holds a cherished and integral role within the Peebles Beltane Festival, serving as a symbol of community pride and tradition.

Established 27 years after the Cornet, in 1924, the role of Cornet’s Lass was introduced to complement the Cornet during the festival.

In contemporary times, the Cornet’s Lass is typically a young woman from the local community, chosen by the Cornet to support him throughout the festival's events.

Duties

Her duties include the Installation Ceremony on Beltane Wednesday, where she performs the symbolic act of "Bussing the Colours" - pinning the Cornet's ribbon to the Burgh Standard, signifying the Cornet's commitment to uphold the festival's values.

This ceremony marks the official start of the Cornet's tenure and sets the tone for the week's celebrations.

Throughout Beltane Week, the Cornet’s Lass accompanies the Cornet in various events, including the Riding of the Marches, where they lead a mounted procession to Neidpath Castle, participate in the Novice Ride, and take part in the Grand Procession on Beltane Saturday.

Her presence is not merely ceremonial; she actively engages with the community, representing the festival's spirit and fostering a sense of unity among participants and spectators alike.

The role of the Cornet’s Lass also extends to social and charitable functions, where she supports local causes and embodies the festival's ethos of service and community involvement. Her involvement in these activities underscores the festival's commitment to civic pride and collective responsibility.

The Crowning Lady is the woman, usually a respected local figure, who performs the crowning of the Beltane Queen, one of the main highlights of the week-long festivities.

This takes place on the Parish Church steps on Red Letter Day (Beltane Saturday morning) and draws a large gathering of locals and visitors.

Role and Duties

Crowning the Beltane Queen: The Beltane Queen is a young girl from one of the local primary schools, chosen to represent the town. The Crowning Lady ceremonially places the crown on the Queen's head, officially initiating her role.

Leading in Dignity: The Crowning Lady is viewed as a dignified presence, someone chosen not only for her connection to Peebles but for embodying community spirit, contribution, or service.

Participating in Events: Throughout Beltane Week, the Crowning Lady appears in parades, civic receptions, and other community functions.

The Warden of Neidpath is a distinguished honorary position within Peebles Beltane Festival, a historic celebration in the Scottish Borders that combines medieval traditions with vibrant community spirit.

The Warden of Neidpath is ceremonially installed at Neidpath Castle during the festival's Beltane Wednesday events. This role involves delivering the Warden's Address, a speech that often reflects on themes of community, heritage, and the significance of the festival.

The Warden welcomes the Cornet and his cavalcade to the castle, marking a key moment in the Riding of the Marches, where riders traverse the town's historical boundaries.

Each year, the Beltane Festival Committee invites the public to nominate individuals for the role of Warden of Neidpath. Nominees are typically respected members of the community who have contributed significantly to local life. The selection is based on their dedication to Peebles and its traditions.

The Warden of Cross Kirk is a ceremonial role within Peebles Beltane Festival. The Cross Kirk is a historic site in Peebles, founded in 1261 and dedicated to St. Nicholas. Although now in ruins, it remains a symbolic location for the town. The Beltane Festival begins with an Inaugural Service held at the Cross Kirk, during which the Warden is installed. This tradition was initiated in 1930 by Dr. Clement Gunn, a respected local historian and physician.

Role and Responsibilities

Installation: The Warden is typically a local clergyperson who is installed at the start of Beltane Week during the Inaugural Service at the Cross Kirk.

Leading the Service: The Warden conducts the ecumenical service, setting the tone for the week's festivities.

Community Engagement: Beyond the service, the Warden often participates in various events throughout Beltane Week, reflecting the community's values and traditions.

Children's participation in Peebles Beltane Festival, particularly through The Court, is a cherished tradition that highlights the community's commitment to involving its younger members in this historic celebration.

Each year, the Beltane Queen and her Court are selected from the three local primary schools: Kingsland, Priorsford, and Halyrude.

The selection process is carried out by a subcommittee of the Festival, who choose students to fill various roles within the Court based upon their anonymised questionnaires.

These roles include the Queen, First Coutier, Chief Maid, Second Coutier, Maids, Heralds, and other ceremonial positions such as the Sword Bearer and Standard Bearer.

The announcement of the Court typically occurs in May, generating excitement among the pupils and the wider community.

The pinnacle of the children's involvement is on Beltane Saturday, referred to as "Red Letter Day."

The day's events begin with a procession of over 500 children in costume, representing various characters such as fairies, sailors, soldiers, and archers. The procession makes its way to the Parish Church steps, where the Crowning Ceremony takes place.

During this ceremony, the Beltane Queen is crowned by the Crowning Lady, and the children perform their duties with enthusiasm and pride.

Following the crowning, the children participate in the Grand Procession, riding on decorated lorries through the town, accompanied by pipe and silver bands. This vibrant display is a highlight of the festival, showcasing the children and the community's support for their involvement.

In recent years, adjustments have been made to ensure the safety and comfort of the children during the festivities. For instance, due to the growing number of participants, some younger children now watch the Crowning Ceremony from chairs in front of the church steps rather than on the steps, allowing them to still be part of the event without overcrowding.

The involvement of children in the Peebles Beltane Festival not only preserves the town's rich traditions but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among its youngest residents. Their participation ensures that the spirit of the festival continues to thrive for generations to come.