By Kirsty HalcrowJanuary 20th 2015

Up Helly Aa, Europe's largest firs festival, will be broadcast live from Lerwick, Shetland on Tuesday 27th January 2015 - allowing people from all over the world to join in the celebrations, chat with other viewers and watch the spectacular torchlight procession online.

Taking place annually on the last Tuesday of January, the Viking fire festival is a superb spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a triumphant demonstration of the islanders' skills and spirit.

For the fifth year in a row Promote Shetland will be streaming the event live through 60 North TV, Shetland's internet broadcasting website. The live coverage will begin at 2pm and run through until 9pm, culminating with the dramatic burning of the replica Viking galley.

Andy Steven, Head of Brand Strategy & Innovation at Promote Shetland, said:

“We are delighted to be organising the Up Helly Aa webcast again this year. We did our first trial stream back in 2010, and, with absolutely no promotion, received over 2,000 views. The production of the broadcast has improved year on year and the popularity of the stream has increased massively. In 2014 we were overwhelmed with the amount of interest the Up Helly Aa webcast attracted, on that one day the page was viewed around 32,500 times from 109 different countries and there was around 21,000 unique visits.”

“These viewing figures demonstrate the worldwide appeal of Up Helly Aa. The festival is unique and intriguing for potential visitors making the live stream really popular. It also provides an opportunity for expats to reconnect with their Shetland roots and share their island's heritage with friends and family.”

“It is quite spectacular to watch and for those not able to be here on the day, we hope you will be able to join us online at 60N.TV.”

Remember to join in on twitter by using #uphellyaa
For more information about Up Helly Aa visit - www.uphellyaa.org

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