So, the weather ‘was’ getting warmer and the flowers have bloomed and the Meadows is awash with blossom which can only mean its Spring…and this means more lovely family events and festivals !! I’m a bit slow off the mark and the brilliant Science festival has been and gone – I hope you managed to enjoy some of it like I did. This weekend has a few offerings that look great for getting out and about and enjoying both the wonders of Spring and the wonders of Edinburgh !!

First up is the Spring Festival at the Botanics….on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th April between 1 and 4pm..Come and join in with the Edible Gardening Project as they get started in the vegetable patch for another year. Be inspired by nature and learn all about gardening in an environmentally friendly way. With information for budding gardeners, fun family friendly activities and fresh garden tasters.  This looks like a lovely way to spend an afternoon !

And this Sunday is of course the rather spectacular and fantastic Beltane Fire Festival – and this year marks their 30th Festival so is sure to be something special. Having taken part as a performer for many years, Beltane has a huge place in my heart and I’ll be braving it and bringing the family up the hill on Sunday night for some drumming, fire performance and magic…it all starts around 9.20pm as the sun goes down and the May Queen comes over the Acropolis.

For something more family friendly, the Beltane community are holding a Beltane Community Open Day on Saturday 29th on Calton Hill from 1pm – 4pm

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been to festival before or you’re a long-time Beltaner, or even one of our performers; this day is for everyone. Drop in at any point or stay for the duration!

It’s a chance to celebrate the birth of Summer and find out more about the famous Beltane Fire Festival, which takes place the following day. Explore the changing seasons and the meaning of the festival, with storytelling from key Beltane characters and walking tours of Calton Hill to help you make the most of the big night. There will be music, a chance to try out traditional skills (from fire-making to crafts), and Beltane fun for children (5+, accompanied by their adults) too.

What to bring: your wishes for the year ahead, donations for our buckets, wood for the following night’s Beltane bonfire (if you like), a picnic, and a flask of tea to keep you toasty!

* Storytelling
* Kids Activity Zone
* Drumming Workshops
* Kids Parade
* Live Music
* History of Beltane talk
* Neid Fire workshop
* Walking tours
* Woodland Trust
* Wishing Tree

Hope you enjoy the weekend and fingers crossed it warms up a little between now and then !!