Held annually on the last Tuesday of January, this year's Lerwick Up Helly Aa was a striking event that drew spectators from around the globe. Despite challenging weather in the days leading up to the fire festival, the event once again delivered an unforgettable 24 hours of fire, revelry and community spirit.
For those fascinated by history, tradition and immersive celebrations, Lerwick Up Helly Aa offers an unparalleled experience.
Up Helly Aa has been a cherished tradition in Shetland since the late 19th century. Each year, the Guizer Jarl, an elected leader, takes on the persona of a legendary Viking figure and leads a dramatic torch-lit procession. The grand finale of which is the ceremonial burning of a 10-metre-long replica Viking galley (longship), a moment of intense spectacle and symbolism.
This year’s Guizer Jarl, Calum Grains, took on the role of King Eystein Magnusson, leading his 60-strong squad – a group made up of close friends and family – throughout the day’s celebrations. Every year, the Up Helly Aa Committee provide the Guizer Jarl with the same breastplate, helmet and shield. The ceremonial passing down of these treasured items from one Jarl to the next is a key part of the festival’s long-standing tradition.
The Jarl's Squad were dressed in a striking combination of gold tunics with red and blue cloaks, their heads crowned with feather-plumed helmets and carrying the traditional axes and shields, embodying the spirit of Viking warriors. This year, the presence of female squad members in full warrior attire added an extra layer of excitement.
At exactly 7.30 pm, nearly a thousand torches ignited in unison, bathing the Lerwick's Hillhead in a fiery glow. The procession moved steadily toward the burning site, where the longship awaited its dramatic fate. The sight of the galley consumed by flames, framed against the dark winter sky is always an unforgettable moment, especially when accompanied by The Norseman's Home, a traditional song that always adds poignancy to the galley burning.
Celebrations continued late into the night across multiple venues, where music, feasting, dancing and camaraderie carried on until the early hours.
For anyone seeking a festival that combines heritage, spectacle and community spirit, Up Helly Aa is a must-see event. It offers a rare glimpse into Shetland’s Viking past while providing an unforgettable and immersive cultural experience. Whether drawn by the historical significance, the sense of unity, or the sheer visual drama, visitors are left with memories of a festival like no other.
Visit Shetland for Up Helly Aa
If you'd like to add Lerwick Up Helly Aa to your travel bucket list, you need to get planning. Travel to Shetland and accommodation in Lerwick tends to get booked up months in advance, so we recommend you get ahead of the game.