Thousands gather for Up Helly Aa festival in Shetland

Thousands of people are due to gather for the world-famous Up Helly Aa fire festival on Shetland
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jan 2019, 12:27 BST
Updated 29th Jan 2019, 13:32 BST
Guizer Jarl John Nicolson cheers whilst on the galley. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA WireGuizer Jarl John Nicolson cheers whilst on the galley. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Guizer Jarl John Nicolson cheers whilst on the galley. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The spectacle, which attracts visitors from around the globe, takes place in Lerwick on the last Tuesday of January each year.

People dressed as Vikings march through the streets of the town to recreate its ancient Viking past, in a tradition dating back to the 19th century.

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The procession is led by the Guizer Jarl, or chief guizer, and culminates in a replica longboat being set alight.

Members of the Jarl Squad cheers as they march through Lerwick as snow falls on the Shetland Isles during the Up Helly Aa Viking festival. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA WireMembers of the Jarl Squad cheers as they march through Lerwick as snow falls on the Shetland Isles during the Up Helly Aa Viking festival. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Members of the Jarl Squad cheers as they march through Lerwick as snow falls on the Shetland Isles during the Up Helly Aa Viking festival. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
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