Norse code: Keeping the flame at the Up Helly Aa festival

The festival takes place in Lerwick, Shetland, on the last Tuesday in January every year.

Tuesday 28 January 2025 21:35 GMT

The Jarl Squad set light to the galley (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire)

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Revellers have gathered on Shetland for the annual Up Helly Aa fire festival.

The event marks the end of the Yule season in Nordic culture, and features “guizers” in Viking costume marching through Lerwick, bearing torches.

The event culminated in the burning of an imitation Viking galley in Lerwick harbour amid spectacular scenes.

Earlier, the “Vikings” gathered in daylight to pose for photos.

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Norse code: Keeping the flame at the Up Helly Aa festival

The festival takes place in Lerwick, Shetland, on the last Tuesday in January every year.

Thank you for registering