Up Helly Aa

This week it is Up Helly Aa in Shetland. Up the Guizer Jarl!

Every year fire festivals across the isles start in January and continue through into the Spring. Each area has its own celebration and these events help to lift the dullness of the late winter with fire, flaming torches and general merriment and jollity. 

This week it is the turn of the Lerwick Up Helly Aa, the largest of the celebrations. The chief celebrant, the Guizer Jarl, and his team of Vikings will promenade through Lerwick carrying their torches and the galley that they have built through the year. It is a big event in the isles' calendar and people come from all over the world to participate. 

In previous years the festival has been streamed online. Have a look at the Promote Shetland page for the events and information.