What, when, where?

Go north to the Shetland Islands and party in style at the Up- Helly-Aa fire festival in Lerwick, a reminder of the days when Norse settlers celebrated the end of the yule holidays. Bands of guisers (Shetlanders in Viking kit) led by their chief, the Guiser Jarl, parade town before setting alight a 30-ft longship in the harbour. Viking revelry follows throughout the night at various venues, including the Town Hall, which stipulates that stiletto heels are not allowed, although presumably spiky helmets are. Up-Helly-Aa takes place on Tuesday 27 January. More information from the Shetland Islands Tourism Office (01595 693434).

Sally Kindberg