Peebles Beltane Festival U-turn on major change to Red Letter Day
'The decision has been taken to revert to the church steps for the ceremony...'
Last updated 21st Jun 2025
It's one of the highlights of the Scottish Borders summer festival season.
The Crowning of the Beltane Queen in Peebles normally takes place every year on the steps of the town's Old Parish Church.
She is joined by scores of school children, dressed as characters from the festival, following a procession from the local primary school.
And crowds of well-wishers line the neighbouring streets to catch a glimpse of the colourful spectacle.
But organisers last night announced the key part of today's Red Letter Day celebrations was being moved inside the church amid concerns over the soaring temperatures, with the Met Office predicting thermometers will top 24 degrees Celsius in the Royal Burgh by the time proceedings get underway at 10am.
"We are all absolutely devastated to have to take this decision but the safety of the children must come first," a spokesperson for the Beltane Committee announced in a statement last night.
Saturday's festivities are due to get underway with the Morning Ride at 8.30am.
They mark the culmination of a week of events celebrating the history of the town - with many locals decorating their homes and businesses red and white specially for the occasion.
"The Beltane Committee work very hard in ensuring we all have the best of times celebrating our annual festival," the statement read.
"Foremost in our mind however is the safety of the participants and spectators and specifically, the children taking part.
"Due to the predicted temperatures (on Saturday) and on medical advice, we have taken the incredibly difficult decision to move the Crowning Ceremony to INSIDE this Old Parish Church.
"The parade of children from Halyrude will take place as normal, as will the arrival and departure of the Crowning Lady, Queen, maids and pages.
"Once the children depart the church they will proceed as normal to Kingsmeadows Car Park for the Grand Procession."
READ MORE: Hawick Cornet riding high as crowds turn out to celebrate town's Common Riding
Many commentators agreed it was the "right decision", on what is expected to be one of the hottest days of the year so far.
But one person commenting on the organisers' official post claimed it was "health and safety gone mad".
They added: "I’m sure the kids would be fine sitting on the steps with a bottle of water; the most beautiful weekend of the year and all the spectators missing out on such a spectacle. We’ve waited years for weather like this."
However, this morning (Friday), it's been announced proceedings will go ahead as originally planned.
A new statement read: "After careful consideration, following the slightly cooler start to the day, and the predicted cloud cover in the next couple of hours, the decision has been taken to revert to the church steps for the ceremony.
"Suitable actions will be taken to encourage children to sit whenever they can and a water will be available for all of them."
WATCH: Selkirk Standard Bearer reveals leading the Common Riding was 'best day ever!'
It's not the only event with concerns about the weather this weekend.
Organisers of the Eildon Hill Race - one of the highlights of the Melrose Festival week - are urging competitors to take precautions, with temperatures forecast to peak at 28 degrees Celsius.
More than 200 runners have registered to take part.
A spokesperson said: "We recommend all runners in both Junior and Senior races use sun cream, sunhats, and carry water.
"You also need to manage your expectations on pace, consider slowing up a little. We can only transport limited water up on to the course."
Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a Yellow - be prepared - warning for thunderstorms in Northumberland, from 3pm on Saturday until 4am on Sunday.
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