The story-teller group, the tellers of Bel's Fire, gather around their tent to prepare for the start of the Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh.
Beltane is a Scottish festival which celebrates of the coming of summer and the fertility of the coming year.
The evening begins with a procession to the top of Calton Hill led by the May Queen and the Green Man (ancient god and goddess figures representing fertility and growth).
Performers light up the hill with a stunning display of fire spinning and sculpture.
Fire is used to symbolise cleansing and the warmth of the sun at spring.
The Reds represent mischief-makers who live for the moment without a care in the world or inhibitions.
They carry purifying flames before the May Queen arrives.
According to the performers, the Reds have this single night to let loose and go wild.
Most of the imagery used in the costumes and rituals comes from the Celts and from Scottish folklore. In the Gaelic calendar Bealltainn marks the beginning of the summer season.
The May Queen enters with her handmaidens - the Whites.
The winter ends when the Green Man's winter costume is taken from him. He then joins the May Queen in lighting the bonfire and signal the beginning of summer.
The Whites bathe in the warmth of the bonfire along with the audience.
The Geisha traditions of Japan are evident in the dress of the Whites.
A wild dance takes place and the Green Man and the May Queen are married.
