Cullivoe Up Helly Aa is the latest of Shetland’s fire festivals to be postponed due to coronavirus restrictions.
The festival’s committee said yesterday that the 2021 event is now not taking place and that guizer jarl Steven Brown is to lead the celebrations a year later – on Friday 25 February 2022.
However, the community would still like to mark the occasion in same way, and depending on the circumstances at the time will make an announcement at a later date.
The jarl elect said: “It’s a disappointing decision in many ways, but my squad and I look forward to leading the celebrations when Up Helly Aa returns properly in 2022.
“No one wants to risk public safety, and this delay will allow the community to enjoy the preparations and festival in full when the time comes.
“In the meantime we hope that all of our volunteers, guizers and other supporters stay safe and take care in these uncertain times.”
Other Up Helly Aas already postponed in 2021 are: Scalloway, Girlsta/Nesting, Lerwick, Bressay, Uyeasound and Norwick.
Cullivoe Up Helly Aa becomes latest fire festival to be cancelled due to Covid-19
