In Pictures: Fiery start to May Day celebrations

The Beltane Fire Festival honours an ancient Celtic ritual to welcome the return of summer.

Sunday 01 May 2022 08:39 BST

A member of the Pentacle Drummers performs in front of a burning wicker man during the Beltane Festival at Butser Ancient Farm, in Waterlooville, Hampshire (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire)

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Giant bonfires were lit as darkness fell on the last day of April as part of an ancient Celtic celebration to mark the beginning of summer.

Beltane, or Beltain, is centred around the story of the May Queen and the Green Man, and the lighting of bonfires is symbolic of purification, healing and new life.

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In Pictures: Fiery start to May Day celebrations

The Beltane Fire Festival honours an ancient Celtic ritual to welcome the return of summer.

Thank you for registering