THEY built him up, only to bring him down in a blaze of glory.

But this giant killing, watched by a baying crowd on a field near Clanfield, was flaming good fun for his creators and the admiring crowd.

And the burning of the giant 30 foot high wicker man was the undoubted highlight of the annual Beltain event at Butser Ancient Farm on Saturday, April 29.

Beltain was one of the biggest events on the Gaelic calendar as the May Day festival marked the beginning of summer.

Rituals were performed to protect cattle, crops and people while bonfires were kindled as their flames were deemed to have protective qualities.

The festival – which was widely observed in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man – often included sacrifices and a feast, as anyone with an interest in Christopher Lee and classic British horror will know.

But there were plenty of other activities and events to get the crowds fired up, from drumming and dancing to swordfights and storytelling.

The Pentacle Drummers and Yeehaa Granma provided some of the sounds, while the Hook Eagle Morris Men showed off their moves.

Roman legionnaires rubbed shoulders with green men, maypole dancers and Saxon folk, with some of the latter staging a fight.

Storytelling in the Iron Age house and weapon forging also drew a crowd, while some visitors decided to try their hand at sword and spear fighting.

Others learned about the tools, jewellery and cooking methods of the era -- but there were nods to the present.

Visitors were able to grab a pint from the beer tent, with many choosing to do just that beor the event’s flaming brilliant conclusion.

Children fixed their wishes to the wicker man before his fiery demise, with a youngster winning a raffle to set the giant alight.

Another giant will suffer the same fate next year, but in the meantime the farm is preparing for a Roman Summer with a series of themed events taking place in August, visit www.butserancientfarm.co.uk