Up Helly Aa echoes the long rule of the Kingdom of Norway over Shetland and the return of the sun following the darkest winter days.

Up Helly Aa - the biggest fire festival in Europe - is held on the last Tuesday in January in Shetland The celebrations culminate in a torchlit procession and the burning of a replica Viking galley

THOUSANDS of Shetland islanders took to the streets last night for the spectacular Up Helly Aa fire festival. The traditional event celebrates the island’s Norse heritage and is annually

THE WORLD-FAMOUS Lerwick Up Helly Aa will be livestreamed on Tuesday night, allowing global viewers to beam the fiery festivities straight to their homes

The streets of Lerwick are once again filled with fire and smoke as Shetland holds its world famous Up Helly Aa fire festival. The event, which is traditionally held on the last Tuesday of January, celebrates Shetland's Norse heritage.

Here is everything you need to know about Up Helly Aa in Shetland as the fiery festival returns this week for 2025.

Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland, UK Video Recording Date/Time 28, 2025 Shetland celebrated its famous Up Helly Aa fire festival, honoring its Norse heritage, on Tuesday, January 28. The event featured a torchlit procession and the ceremonial burning of a Viking longship.