Torchlight Procession
Position yourself along the route by eveningfall. Expect loud drums and chanting; stay mindful of the torch line and barriers.
Evening
Lerwick Up Helly Aa (Viking Fire Festival)
Up Helly Aa
Lerwick, United Kingdom
Jan 26, 2027Expected
Each year on the last Tuesday of January, the Shetland town of Lerwick blazes with the Up Helly Aa fire festival. Hundreds of guizers in elaborate Viking costume march with torches and set a longship ablaze, in a spectacular celebration that marks the end of Yule and revives the islands' deep Norse heritage.
Key moments
Day 1 · Jan 26
Galley Burning Ceremony
Stand well back (safety barriers will be in place). The mass of flames and fireworks is breathtaking—arrive 30 min early for best viewing spot.
Night
Where it happens
Lerwick Town Centre
Lerwick, United Kingdom
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Do not cross the torch procession line; follow directions of stewards.
Arrive before peak flow
Spectators should stay clear of the procession route and respect the solemn torchlit ceremo...
Respect local boundaries
Use local guidance for access, timing, and respectful participation.
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Very crowded along the torch procession route and near the burning; find a spot early for best viewing.
Weather
January nights are cold and often windy. Light rain won’t cancel the event, but severe storms could postpone the torch parade.
Transport
Local bus service in Lerwick; bus to Tingwall Airport; local Shetland Bus routes
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Shetland has very low crime; the event is well-supervised by volunteers and police, and is family-friendly.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Lerwick Up Helly Aa (Viking Fire Festival)
Up Helly Aa
Lerwick, United Kingdom
Each year on the last Tuesday of January, the Shetland town of Lerwick blazes with the Up Helly Aa fire festival. Hundreds of guizers in elaborate Viking costume march with torches and set a longship ablaze, in a spectacular celebration that marks the end of Yule and revives the islands' deep Norse heritage.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Jan 26, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Up Helly Aa marks the traditional end of the Yuletide season in Shetland, reviving a centuries-old Norse custom. Its name literally means "Up Holy (Day) All" and it symbolizes the burning of the old year. The festival is deeply rooted in Shetland’s Viking past, reflecting the islands’ history of Norse settlement and cultural traditions. Each year a new 'Jarl' (Viking chief) is chosen and, along with his squad, prepares for mo...
Key moments to know
Day 1Jan 262 moments
Day 1Jan 26EveningApproximate
Torchlight Procession
Position yourself along the route by eveningfall. Expect loud drums and chanting; stay mindful of the torch line and barriers.
Day 1Jan 26NightApproximate
Galley Burning Ceremony
Stand well back (safety barriers will be in place). The mass of flames and fireworks is breathtaking—arrive 30 min early for best viewing spot.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Do not cross the torch procession line; follow directions of stewards.
Arrive before peak flow
Spectators should stay clear of the procession route and respect the solemn torchlit ceremony; do not attempt t...
Respect local boundaries
Use local guidance for access, timing, and respectful participation.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 26, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Lerwick
Shetland
Access
Lerwick/Tingwall Airport (LWK) · 13 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: ~£50, Mid-range: ~£100-150, Comfort: £200+ (all e...
Atmosphere
Festive and high-spirited, with an intense build-up during the even...
Very crowded along the torch procession route and near th...
Good for
Families, couples
Very High visitor welcome
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