So, after a much needed half term holiday away, it appears that one of my favourite festivals is just about upon us….Halloween. I love Autumn in Scotland, and I enjoy the nights getting darker and cosy, and the leaves turning and the promise of winter just around the corner…and I love Halloween and bonfire night too !

There seems to be an abundance of great events and happenings going on this weekend, here are a few top picks :

• Samhuinn Fire Festival – I used to perform in this many moons ago, and its spectacular, its the quarter year festival celebrating the Celtic New Year and the coming of winter and is the night when the veil between the two worlds is said to be at it’s thinnest and summer is overthrown by winter. As always, there will be lots of drumming, some great acrobatics and brilliant fire !! This year its back on the Royal Mile, with the parade starting at 9pm on the 31st from the Castle Esplanade leading to West Parliament Square.

• Botanic Frights -Due to overwhelming demand, Botanic Lights have announced that an extra-night has been added on Monday 31st October for those looking for family Halloween fun at ‘Botanic Frights’!Limited tickets are available for special Botanic Lights sessions, which will run every 15mins from 5.30pm – 8pm, and they’re encouraging families and children to dress up in their spookiest costumes for amazing night time experience in the Garden.

• Skeleton Rave with Big Fish Little Fish – Big Fish Little Fish will be hosting another fantastic event in Edinburgh on the 30th October at La Belle Angele from 2-4.30pm. Featuring a fantastic DJ, craft tables, play area with tents and tunnels, tattoos, glow sticks, parachute dance, bubble machine and more this sounds like lots of fun ! Dressing up Halloween theme strongly  encouraged !