THE countdown to the 2018 Beltane Festival gets under way this (Friday) evening in the Royal Burgh of Peebles.

After months of speculation the Principals to lead this year's Festival will be unveiled.

This year's Cornet Elect and his Lass will be introduced, as befitting tradition, during the Burgh Hall Concert.

Festival Chairman Keith Brunton will welcome the new Principals at around 8pm.

He will also introduce the Lady who will Crown the Beltane Queen during the Festival's Red letter Day.

The Warden of Neidpath, the Warden of the Cross Kirk, and the Reader of the Boundaries will also be unveiled during tonight's Introduction Evening.

This evening's entertainment begins with the traditional coffee reception from 7pm and organisers are advising everyone to arrive early to make sure of a seat.

Peebles Silver Band will provide the musical accompaniment for what will be another memorable celebration in the build up to the Beltane Festival.

Following the introduction ceremony the fun will spill out onto the streets.

Led by the Peebles Ex Servicemen's Pipe Band, the Cornet Elect will be paraded along the High Street before enjoying the Ex Cornet's Association reception at the town's Rugby Club.

This year's Beltane Festival will run from Sunday, June 17 to Saturday, June 23.

The 2018 Beltane Queen will be unveiled next month.