What is Celtic Burn?
We are a small burn inspired by Burning Man, its culture and community and guided by the ten principles.

We are a co-created event, where the content is created and gifted by the participants.

New to burns? We’ve written a basic guide for you at the bottom of this page, here

New to Celtic Burn? Learn more about how Celtic Burn is unique here

Feeling apprehensive about camping? How To Camp In Scotland In April And Stay Warm

Last year’s event: Celtic Burn 2025 - Monday 14th - Monday 21st of April 2025 - at a magical campsite near Dumfries, Scotland.

Details of next year's event to follow! The date and location will change.

E-mail us at celts.burn@gmail.com if you have any questions.

GUIDE FOR NEW BURNERS

We’re excited you’re here and we hope to meet you at Celtic Burn. One of the key principles that guides our event is radical inclusion, which means that anyone may be a part of Celtic Burn. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.

If you have yet to get a chance to read the ten principles that guide burning man events, please take a moment to do so.

In addition to these principles the 11th principle is consent, which we take seriously. There will be consent workshops at the burn which we would highly encourage new and old burners alike to attend.

What happens at a burn?
Burns are co-created events/communities. Participants make up the experience by bringing their dreams, ideas, skills, art, workshops, performances and energies to make the event what it is. It is an opportunity to connect with others and to be accepted as you are. To fully express yourself and discover new sides of who you are. It is an opportunity to engage playfully, create, learn, reflect and to simply be.

Burns are whatever we shape them to be as a community and for all kinds of humans and you will find all kinds of ways to engage with the burn. We are a welcoming bunch and you are encouraged to participate however it feels right for you. As a participant you also play a part: there are no spectators at a burn!

What will be provided?

Camping space. Communal spaces such as warm yurts with wood-burning stoves. Communal kitchen space. Water. Outdoor composting toilets. Hot tub and sauna. *Nothing is sold or bought at a burn, so be prepared to bring everything you need for the week.

What do I need to bring?
Bring anything you’d bring for a normal camping trip for a week, sans what you might need for one meal a day if you sign up for the kitchen membership.

Things you might want to consider packing include but are not limited to:
- Tent or van to sleep in
- Sleeping bag/sleeping mat/duvet/pillow (pro-tip, a hot water bottle can be great for especially cold nights)

- Warm layers/hat/jacket/scarf/gloves (it is April in Scotland)

- Rain gear and perhaps boots/wellies (it is April in Scotland)

- Clothes that help you feel fully You!

- Cup/bowl/plate/utensils

- Snacks/meals (depending on whether you've got a communal kitchen membership)

- Toothbrush/toothpaste

- Towel/shampoo/ body wash/conditioner

- Headlamp

- Earplugs

- Water bottle

- Sunscreen/sunglasses
- Garbage bag/hand sanitizer

Remember, a principle of burns is radical self-reliance, so don’t rely on the above list, but we hope it helps you have a bit more of an idea of what to expect.
*Additionally, another burn principle is gifting, and burners look out for each other, so if you get in a pickle, people will help you out.

***Yet two other principles are decommodification and leave no trace, so when preparing for a burn, remember that you will need to take everything you brought out with you and that we encourage creating over buying.

What if I get overwhelmed or find an experience at the burn difficult?
We have a cosy, calm welfare space at the burn where anyone is welcome to go when needed. This is a space with kind volunteers who will await you and hold space for you. Stop in to say hi and have a regulating cup of tea.