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:
![Environmental artist Mark Antony Haden Ford stands in front of the wickerman he created for the Beltain celebrations at Butser Ancient Farm.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdjOTQwODAwLTQ3YWMtNDJkMS04ZWJlLWQxYWViNzI4OWY0YzpkNGFlY2FmYS04ZGIzLTRjNDMtOWRjOC1jZmRjOGZjODNjMDk=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
29. The creator
Environmental artist Mark Antony Haden Ford stands in front of the wickerman he created for the Beltain celebrations at Butser Ancient Farm.Photo: Mike Cooter
![The Wicker Man fully aflame as the Pentacle Drummers perform in front of it.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjIyNTk2MTUzLTFjY2MtNDg3OC1iZTc0LTlkNzBjN2NlYjMxYTo5MzRhZDU0Ni05MDBiLTRlOGYtOWViOS0yOGVlODk4YjM4NWM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=800)
30. The Wickerman fully aflame
The Wicker Man fully aflame as the Pentacle Drummers perform in front of it.Photo: Mike Cooter