Peebles March Riding & Beltane Queen Festival 2026

Nominations are being sought for key positions in this year’s Beltane Festival.

The annual event, which takes place this year from Sunday 14th to Saturday 20th 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. 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.

Please note that this is neither a ballot or an election, and ‘votes’ are therefore not invited or accepted.

All nominations received will be considered by the Selection Committee with the same importance, regardless of whether one or several nominations are submitted for any individual. 

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 on Friday 17th April 2026

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 28th February 2026.

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

Beltane Hut – Opening Times

The Beltane hut will be open this Thursday (25th) from 19:00 to 21:00 to receive borrowed house decorations. (Please note that items should not be left outside outwith these times).

Support from Linton Bakes at The Cozy Kitchen

We’d just like to give a huge thank you to Linton Bakes At The Cozy Kitchen for their support of Peebles Beltane Festival. For a couple of years now they’ve supplied breakfast for our volunteer drivers for our Your Ford Centre Harrison’s Official Cars and Peter Grandison, as well as our carriage drivers who come all the way up from Manchester.

Only 51 weeks ‘til Beltane!

It’s a wrap for another year! The curtain came down on Beltane 2026 with an excellent Beating Retreat delivered by Peebles Burgh Silver Band and Tweedvale (Innerleithen) Pipe Band last night.

Notice of Road Closures and Parking Restrictions

The following roads and will be closed to vehicular traffic on the 20th June 2026, to facilitate the Beltane Beating Retreat.