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'Vikings' invade the Shetland Islands

Wednesday 27 January 2010 14:21 GMT
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'Vikings' invade the Shetland Islands

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Hundreds of 'Vikings' clutching flaming torches stormed the streets of Lerwick last night in celebration of Britain's biggest fire festival.

The Up Helly Aa festival celebrates the influence of old Norse Vikings on the Shetland Islands and the region has employed a Viking theme for the fire festival since 1870.

Around 900 'guizers' (men in dressed in Viking costume) marched through the streets last night before setting fire to a ceremonial Viking long boat.

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