AFTER two years of virtual events, organisers of the Peebles Beltane Festival are hopeful that this year's event will go ahead as planned.

The Peebles March Riding and Beltane Queen Festival committee is now inviting locals to put forward nominations for the positions of Cornet, Warden of Neidpath and Crowning Lady for this year's festivities.

A short note or letter should accompany nominations giving the details of the person nominated.

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George Blair, Beltane secretary said: "It would be very helpful, but not necessary if details of why the nomination is being submitted could be included.”

He added: "It is not necessary, but it would again be helpful if the details could include if the nominee is aware of his or her name being submitted and if he or she would accept the position."

For 2020 and 2021 no Beltane Queen or Court was selected for the first time since 1899.

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A spokesperson for the Beltane committee said: "While we experience another peak of the virus, we hope that we will be in a much better position come the third week in June.

"We are therefore making plans for as normal a festival as possible, in the hope that a normal Beltane can take place.

"It may well be the case that events have to be curtailed, altered or indeed cancelled, but it is thought that it is easier to organise these events and then change plans, rather than plan for no Beltane and find that restrictions open up and we are able to hold some/all of our normal festivities."

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Committee chairman Paul Spence added: "Despite the virtual success it would be good to come back to reality with our Beltane Festival.

"This will happen with some great principals so we ask you to submit your nominations to us.

"As Chairman I look forward to seeing a community once again lining the streets cheering on the principals as we bring back our great festival to its full glory."

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Beltane Week will take place from June 19-26.

And nominations should be submitted by Friday, March 4 after which nominees will be considered by a sub-committee before all Beltane Principals are introduced at the end of April.

Nominations should be sent to Beltane secretary George Blair at: 7 Standalane Way, Peebles EH45 8LR, or alternatively emailed to secretary@peeblesbeltanefestival.co.uk.