Up Helly AaThe ‘Fire Festival’ Scotland’s presentation on the element fire. Holly, Beth, Deborah and Eilidh.

Map

Lerwick

Gairloch

History of Up Helly Aa

The first record of Up Helly Aa was on Christmas Eve 1824. In the 1870’s Up Helly Aa was redesigned by a group of local men. It was only in 1889 that Viking themes were introduced.

Guizer Jarl and Guizers

The Guizer Jarl is the Chief Guizer. The Jarl Squad consists of men who normally participate in the festival, alongside 25 other Squads. As well the normal members of the Jarl Squad there are guests which are invited to join for the Squad. The members of the Squads are called Guizers.

The Procession

The world famous procession has on average 1,000 torchs which are carried through the town by guizers. The route continues until the torches are thrown onto the gallery. Nearly 5,000 people come to watch the event each year.

The Galley

The first galleys were made from light wooden frames or old boats. In 1949 the galley started to be built by the same dimensions as it is today. Including the iconic dragons head. The colour of the boat is a closely guarded secret.

Junior Up Helly AaJunior Up Helly Aa was created in 1956 for the purpose of introducing young people to the main fire festival. The young boys make their own viking boats and are organized into squads of guizers, holding their own torch lit procession.

Music

In 1980 a Up Helly Aa song was created.Please join in with the chorus. The lyrics will be on the screen.

Chorus

Grand old Vikings ruled upon the ocean vast,Their brave battle-songs still thunder on the

blast;Their wild war-cry comes a-ringing from the past;We answer it "A-oi"!Roll their glory down the ages,Sons of warriors and sages,

When the fight for Freedom rages,Be bold and strong as they!

Thank You for Listening!