Daytime Procession and Visits
You may see the squad marching through Cullivoe; morning visibility is low-key, but shows local tradition.
~10:00 - 12:00
Yell Fire Festival
Cullivoe Up Helly Aa
Cullivoe, United Kingdom
Feb 26, 2027Expected
Each late February the village of Cullivoe on the Shetland island of Yell holds its Up Helly Aa, as squads in Norse costume carry burning torches through the night. Grown from Shetland's Norse heritage, the fire festival began as a children's event and now lights the deep northern winter.
Key moments
Day 1 · Feb 26
Torchlight Procession and Galley Burning
Line the streets early; follow the procession to the harbor for the burning. It's the most dramatic moment of the festival.
~18:30 - 19:30
Day 2 · Feb 27
Guizer’s Return (Saturday Dance)
Tickets are sold at the door. Arrive by start time for music and dances; family-friendly atmosphere for witnessing more of the tradition.
~20:00
Where it happens
Cullivoe Village Hall
Cullivoe, United Kingdom
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Visitors may observe all public events; participation in guizer rituals is not permitted fo...
Read the local rhythm
Stand back for the procession and observe the burning; be respectful of community tradition.
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd gathers densely near the hall and marina; other areas remain fairly open.
Weather
Expect cold winds and possible rain; waterproof/warm clothing recommended.
Transport
Bus from Lerwick to Toft Terminal, ferry to Yell (Ulsta), then local bus to Cullivoe.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Shetland is very safe; basic event security is present.
Reviewed mediaCOMMUNITY COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Yell Fire Festival
Cullivoe Up Helly Aa
Cullivoe, United Kingdom
Each late February the village of Cullivoe on the Shetland island of Yell holds its Up Helly Aa, as squads in Norse costume carry burning torches through the night. Grown from Shetland's Norse heritage, the fire festival began as a children's event and now lights the deep northern winter.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Feb 26, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Shetland’s Up Helly Aa festivals grew out of Norse traditions. In Cullivoe, the fire festival began as a children’s event in the 1950s, evolving into a full community ceremony. The constant focus is on the Jarl (chief) and squads of guizers who preserve long-standing customs of torchlit processions and ship burnings tied to Norse-influenced island culture.
Key moments to know
Day 1Feb 262 moments
Day 1Feb 26~10:00 - 12:00Expected
Daytime Procession and Visits
You may see the squad marching through Cullivoe; morning visibility is low-key, but shows local tradition.
Day 1Feb 26~18:30 - 19:30Expected
Torchlight Procession and Galley Burning
Line the streets early; follow the procession to the harbor for the burning. It's the most dramatic moment of the festival.
Day 2Feb 27
Day 2Feb 27~20:00Expected
Guizer’s Return (Saturday Dance)
Tickets are sold at the door. Arrive by start time for music and dances; family-friendly atmosphere for witnessing more of the tradition.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Visitors may observe all public events; participation in guizer rituals is not permitted for outsiders.
Read the local rhythm
Stand back for the procession and observe the burning; be respectful of community tradition.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 26, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Cullivoe
Cullivoe, Yell, Shetland
Access
Sumburgh Airport (LSI) · 210 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: GBP 50-80, Comfort: GBP 100+
Atmosphere
Festivities are energetic and spirited, especially during the eveni...
Crowd gathers densely near the hall and marina; other are...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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