The Beltain (also known as Beltane) is an ancient Iron Age precursor to May Day celebrations which was held at Butser Ancient Farm on Saturday, May 4. The event was a sell out with crowds flocking to experience live folk music, drumming troupes, axe throwing, handfasting, as well as the main event, the burning of the 40ft wickerman.
Here are 31 incredible pictures of crowds enjoying the festivities at the Beltain Celtic Fire Festival:
Here are 31 incredible pictures of crowds enjoying the festivities at the Beltain Celtic Fire Festival:
![Members of the procession bask in the glow from the burning Wicker Man.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmUyYzhmNjA5LTBmZTEtNDFjZi1hMDgwLTE2ZTUwYzkyMjE2MzowYWQwZjk5YS05NGQ1LTRmMTAtOTM4Yi0wNjgzNDRkZTU5YmQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
5. Beltain celebrations at Butser
Members of the procession bask in the glow from the burning Wicker Man.Photo: Mike Cooter
![Performers in costume at Butser Ancient Farm.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQzM2QxMGZmLTM0ZTgtNGU2MC1hNjcxLWQ5YjVlYjdhODI1MzpmMmUzMjI4NS0zZWM0LTQzOTItYmJlMS00NjY4NjM0NGMzYzE=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
6. Beltain at Butser Ancient Farm
Performers in costume at Butser Ancient Farm.Photo: Mike Cooter
![Onlookers celebrate with the wickerman aflame.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmFmZjI2ZGIxLWZlYjQtNDQ3YS04ZTgwLTA0ODVjMGQzMzgyODoyNGM1YWM2OS02MmFlLTRiNzUtYWFhNS03ZWMwMmEwZjFjNGQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
7. Beltain celebrations at Butser Ancient Farm
Onlookers celebrate with the wickerman aflame.Photo: Mike Cooter
![Amber Marie of Fantasy Jewellery demonstrating her craft.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjU3MmU3MWMxLWVjMWYtNGJjMS1hODk5LWY2NTQwNmI4NTY2ZDo4OTI3MWYzMC0yY2QzLTRjYWEtYmVhNC0xYTI0NDMwOWY5NDk=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
8. Beltain at Butser Ancient Farm
Amber Marie of Fantasy Jewellery demonstrating her craft.Photo: Mike Cooter