The Jarl Squad set light to the galley in Lerwick on the Shetland Isles during the Up Helly Aa fire festival. Originating in the 1880s, the festival celebrates Shetland's Norse heritage. Jane Barlow/PA WireThe Jarl Squad set light to the galley in Lerwick on the Shetland Isles during the Up Helly Aa fire festival. Originating in the 1880s, the festival celebrates Shetland's Norse heritage. Jane Barlow/PA Wire
The Jarl Squad set light to the galley in Lerwick on the Shetland Isles during the Up Helly Aa fire festival. Originating in the 1880s, the festival celebrates Shetland's Norse heritage. Jane Barlow/PA Wire

11 pictures as thousands gather at Up Helly Aa fire festival in Shetland

Thousands of people have gathered for the main Up Helly Aa fire festival in Shetland, with women taking part in the squads for the first time.
By Stephen Mcilkenny
Published 1st Feb 2023, 07:57 BST
Updated 1st Feb 2023, 08:14 BST

The event, which attracts visitors from around the globe, sees people dressed as Vikings march through the streets of Lerwick to recreate its ancient Viking past, in a tradition dating back to the 19th century.

Shetland and neighbouring Orkney were ruled by the Norse for about 500 years until they became part of Scotland in 1468.

The festival stems from the 1870s when a group of young local men wanted to put new ideas into Shetland’s Christmas celebrations.

The festival stems from the 1870s when a group of young local men wanted to put new ideas into Shetland’s Christmas celebrations.

Participants take part in the Up Helly Aa festival parade through the streets of Lerwick, Shetland Islands on January 31, 2023. - Up Helly Aa celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in the Shetland Islands and culminates with up to 1,000 'guizers' (men in costume) throwing flaming torches into their Viking longboat and setting it alight later in the evening. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP)

5. Participants take part in the Up Helly Aa festival parade through the streets of Lerwick

Participants take part in the Up Helly Aa festival parade through the streets of Lerwick, Shetland Islands on January 31, 2023. - Up Helly Aa celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in the Shetland Islands and culminates with up to 1,000 'guizers' (men in costume) throwing flaming torches into their Viking longboat and setting it alight later in the evening. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP) Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN

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The event, which attracts visitors from around the globe, sees people dressed as Vikings march through the streets of Lerwick to recreate its ancient Viking past, in a tradition dating back to the 19th century. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP)

6. Participants take part in the Up Helly Aa festival parade through the streets of Lerwick

The event, which attracts visitors from around the globe, sees people dressed as Vikings march through the streets of Lerwick to recreate its ancient Viking past, in a tradition dating back to the 19th century. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP) Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN

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Shetland and neighbouring Orkney were ruled by the Norse for about 500 years until they became part of Scotland in 1468. Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP

7. Up Helly Aa celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in the Shetland Islands

Shetland and neighbouring Orkney were ruled by the Norse for about 500 years until they became part of Scotland in 1468. Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN

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The Lerwick Up Helly Aa Committee last year decided to relax the long-standing custom of only allowing males to take part in the procession after members discussed how to take the event forward following a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP

8. Up Helly Aa culminates with up to 1,000 'guizers' throwing flaming torches into their Viking longboat

The Lerwick Up Helly Aa Committee last year decided to relax the long-standing custom of only allowing males to take part in the procession after members discussed how to take the event forward following a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN

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Related topics:ShetlandVikingsVikingScotlandOrkney