Midsummer fun in Shetland

This annual yacht race takes place each June to coincide with the summer solstice. It sees dozens of sailors race 194 miles across the North Sea from the Norwegian port of Bergen to Lerwick.

After a stay in Shetland’s main harbour, the vessels depart for the return race to their neighbours in Norway.

When the racing is underway the boats can be tracked live.

While it is a sporting event, the arrival of the yachts and their crews always brings a festive spirit to Lerwick with many social events taking place. There’s a prizegiving, as well as events in Lerwick Boating Club. And with hundreds of sailors in the port, it can get lively. To plan your sailing voyage in Shetland, visit our dedicated sailing page.

The first Shetland Pride Festival was held in Lerwick in 2022 and has fast become a colourful and popular social event.

The main event is a procession through the town’s streets bringing people together to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. The procession leads to Gilbertson Park to a Pride Village with loads of fun and entertainment. There are also social events throughout the day and evening for adults and youths to enjoy the party spirit.

There are many summer carnivals in different communities around Shetland. Most involve locals gathering for a day of fun, usually with floats, music and celebrations.

The largest event is in Lerwick at mid-summer when there are several floats, emergency service vehicles, various Jarl’s Squads of Up Helly Aa Vikings, motorbikes and even monster trucks.

It’s always fun with many people in fancy dress out for a good time. The event also raises money for The Callum Younger Reach Fund.

The most northerly bikers’ rally in the UK is held in Shetland each June. It’s renowned all over the UK and further afield with many bikers arriving together on the NorthLink ferry.

The sight and sound of them disembarking the boat early in the morning is something to behold.

Part of the attraction for bikers from near and far is the excellent quality of Shetland’s roads, and the chance to enjoy a ride to some of the most spectacular locations anywhere.

As well as heading out on the roads, the gathered bikers set up camp in the North Mainland for a mini festival, with music, games and the occasional dram!

As an island community, it should come as no surprise that many events make the most of the excellent sailing, fishing, and other watery pursuits. Summer is regatta season, with marinas all over the islands hosting events.

Keep an eye out on the local media for dates. Regattas usually include yacht races, yoal (Shetland rowing boat) races, ‘eela’ (rod) fishing competitions and family entertainment and games.

The village of Brae is a hub for the North Mainland community with shops, takeaways, bars and eateries, a leisure centre and a boating club (it hosts the Delting Regatta).

In June the annual Come to Brae Days are held. It attracts people from across Shetland to take part in different activities. The fun takes place across three days, with a football tournament, sea swimming, Nerf battles, zorbing, bouncy castles, and many other activities as well as a carnival parade.

And like most events in Shetland, you’re bound to find many delicious homemade fancies!

This post will be updated with more images throughout the summer.

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