Glastonbury Beltane 2025: sunrise, fire, fairies and dragons to mark the ancient May Day festival

By Laura Linham 23rd Apr 2025

Glastonbury celebrates Beltane 2025 with ancient rituals, music, art, and a dragon parade from May 1–4, featuring events from sunrise to a grand finale.
Glastonbury celebrates Beltane 2025 with ancient rituals, music, art, and a dragon parade from May 1–4, featuring events from sunrise to a grand finale.

Beltane is back – and Glastonbury's pulling out all the stops for 2025 with four full days of ancient ritual, live music, fairy firelight and a full-blown dragon parade.

From a 4.30am start on the Tor to a community picnic up at Bushy Coombe, this year's May Day festivities blend the sacred and the surreal – with maypoles, morris men, bangin' food and even a Beltane art exhibition.

Here's your day-by-day guide to what's on for Beltane 2025 in Glastonbury.

Thursday 1 May – Sunrise ceremony, Morris dancing and Beltane fire at the Chalice Well

Thinking of spending Beltane in Glastonbury? Excellent choice. Just don't expect a strict timetable – we run on G.M.T. here: Glastonbury Maybe Time.

5.00am – Sunrise ceremony on the Tor

Set your alarm (and maybe a backup) to join the Glastonbury Order of Druids and Cam Vale Morris for their annual sunrise ceremony. Bring layers, bring energy, bring coffee.

6.30am to midday – Chalice Well

Doors open early for a full morning of drumming, fire ceremonies, meditations and music. There's even a livestream meditation at 9am if you'd rather be spiritual from your sofa.

From 10.00am – Market Cross

Things really get going with the Town Crier's big moment, followed by Bardic words, Morris dancing, choirs and drummers – all scheduled with the kind of precision only Glastonbury can get away with.

From 10.30am – Outside the Town Hall

The Mayor rolls out the welcome mat, there's a Celtic blessing, and just when you're starting to feel grounded, the new May Queen turns up to be dramatically blessed by fire. Naturally.

12.15–12.30pm(ish) – The May Pole procession

It's not a Beltane without a big parade. The May Queen, King, Green Men, drummers, dancers, robed folk and community members make their way up to Bushy Combe with the May Pole in tow. Join in, or just try not to get too emotional at the Rainbow Serpent.

At Bushy Combe – sacred ceremony

Filming is politely discouraged, so just soak it all in with your actual eyes. You'll be smudged, welcomed into the circle, and treated to the raising of the May Pole and the annual Druidic oath. There's also dancing, drumming, and probably a few spontaneous chants. Bring snacks, and a blanket you don't mind getting grass stains on.

6.00pm(ish) – Closing the circle

The old May Pole is respectfully set alight, offerings are given, and everyone leaves hopefully a bit sootier and a bit more serene.

A gentle reminder – If you love Beltane, show it by leaving no trace. That includes glitter. Yes, even the biodegradable kind.

If you've still got the energy, there's "bangin' food" at the Rifleman's Arms from 5pm–8pm.

Friday 2 May – Heart of the Tribe celebrates Beltane with mead, fire and art

On Friday evening from 6pm to 9pm, Heart of the Tribe will launch its Freaks and Fairies exhibition along with a brand-new garden studio space.

There'll be free entry, mead, canapés, live music and a fire, making it the perfect way to roll into the weekend. All are welcome.

Saturday 3 May – Beltane celebration night at Glastonbury Assembly Rooms

Saturday's celebrations continue with an evening Beltane Celebration at the iconic Assembly Rooms of Glastonbury, kicking off at 7.30pm. Expect music, ceremony, and that signature Glastonbury spirit.

Sunday 4 May – Glastonbury Dragons May Fayre and parade take over the town

The big finale arrives on Sunday, with dragons, drummers and dancers taking over Glastonbury for the annual Glastonbury Dragons May Fayre.

The Fayre opens at Tor Leisure Centre at 10am, with road closures in place from 1pm. The Glastonbury Dragons Parade sets off from near the Town Hall at 1.30pm, including a very loud and very lively "Battle of the Season".

At 2pm, the parade winds up the High Street to the Fairfield on the slopes of Glastonbury Tor, where the dragons ceremony will begin around 2.45pm beneath the blossom circle.

The day wraps up with a Grand Finale outside Tor Leisure Centre at 4pm, before the May Fayre officially closes at 5pm. Then it's back to the Rifleman's Arms for more bangin' food from 4pm onwards.

If you're planning to visit Glastonbury over the Beltane weekend, organisers are asking everyone to use official car parks and avoid parking in residential areas.

H/T: Normal for Glastonbury

     

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