2025’s Up Helly Aa celebrations have concluded with the legendary burning of the Viking galley, which saw thousands witnessing it.
The most iconic part of the annual festival, which has been happening for over 150 years, saw 864 torches being thrown onto the specially made boat to set it on fire.
Despite taking months to build, it is seen as a highlight for those involved in Up Helly Aa, locals and tourists alike.
Thousands of people turned out to see the Guizer Jarl Calum Grains lead his squad, along with 46 other squads, along the route.
Before the procession began at 7.30pm, Lerwick’s street lights were turned off, which saw the route go into darkness before 981 guizers lit up the dark northern sky.
Here are the stunning photos from yesterday’s spectacular event on January 28, attracting visitors from as far as Canada to witness the magic!
Our photographer Kath Flannery captured the best pictures from Up Helly Aa.
These kids are ready for battle!
Crowds gathered to cheer on the procession.
The Up Helly Aa morning procession headed through the town and down to the harbour for the official squad photo.
Calum Grains was this year’s Guiser Jarl.
The Up Helly Aa morning procession takes over the town, ending at the harbour for the iconic squad photo. Fire, tradition and community at its finest!
From the town to the harbour, the Up Helly Aa procession sets the stage for the official squad photo – where tradition meets celebration!
The streets come alive with pride and passion as the Up Helly Aa procession makes its way to the harbour for the perfect squad photo.
Cheers to that!
Official squad photo.
A wonderful shot by Kath of the Vikings on their longboat.
Up Helly Aa evening procession.
A sea of flames lighting up the Shetland night.
The glow of history, the roar of Vikings – Up Helly Aa in all its glory!
The night burns bright with Viking pride!
The streets come alive with fire and festivity.
Up Helly Aa in all its glory.
A spectacular display of light and heritage.
An unforgettable night of flames and festivity.
Dressed for the occasion.
Up Helly Aa in style.
Vikings for the night, legends forever!
Little Vikings, mighty flames!
Fantastic shots from our photographer Kath Flannery of the fire festival.
Fire carried through the streets of Lerwick.
The torches were taken to the boat for burning.
The night was filled with orange light from the fire.
The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Squads in fancy dress line the streets as the Viking heritage of Shetland burns strong.
The Jarl Squad and guisers set light to the galley.
The boat after all of the torches had been thrown onto the galley.
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Gallery: Up Helly Aa lit up by burning of Viking galley
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