Shetland Fire Festival 2025: Everything You Need to Know

If you are lucky enough to visit the Shetland Islands in winter, experiencing the fire festival will be an unforgettable highlight. The Shetland Fire Festival is an annual grand celebration in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, famous for its unique Viking traditions and spectacular torchlight processions.

Every January to March, communities across Shetland gather for spectacular and unique fire celebrations (11 different fire festivals in Shetland). People parade through the streets with torches, led by The Jarl's Squad in Viking armour. Want to know more about the Shetland Fire Festival? This article will provide a more detailed introduction to the Shetland Fire Festival in 2025.         

What Is The Shetland Fire Festival? 

Shetland Fire Festival, also known as the Viking Fire Festival, is an annual traditional festival in the Shetland Islands of the United Kingdom. It combines history, culture, and spectacular celebrations. Up Helly Aa is the general name for a series of fire festivals held in the Shetland Islands every year.

The largest and most spectacular is the fire festival held in Lerwick. The Shetland Fire Festival commemorates the Viking Age and is a visual and emotional feast that attracts tourists worldwide.

Origin of Shetland Fire Festival

Like many ancient traditions, the Shetland Fire Festival has a vague and confusing origin. It is said that the festival originated in the 19th century when some jubilant young people rolled burning tar barrels on the streets of Lerwick. Most people believe that such celebrations are held to welcome the slow return of daylight.

However, the event became increasingly noisy, causing panic among people, and people had to take measures to control and channel this potentially catastrophic behaviour. As a result, rolling tar barrels were banned in Shetland in 1874, but it was soon replaced by the first torchlight procession in Lerwick in 1876.

Finally, all the relevant elements came together in 1881 to form the first official Shetland Fire Festival. Since then, only the world wars, the king's death and the COVID-19 pandemic have prevented the Shetland Fire Festival.

Shetland Fire Festival Time

Every January to March, communities across Shetland gather for spectacular and unique fire celebrations (there are 11 different fire festivals in Shetland). Since Shetland fire festivals celebrate Christmas's end, most events occur in January.

The largest fire festival is the Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, which takes place on the last Tuesday of January each year. The latest timetable of Shetland Fire Festival celebrations below shows when Shetland's multiple fire festivals are held.

(Data Source: Shetland Gov)

What Are The Highlights of The Shetland Fire Festival? 

The Shetland Fire Festival features Vikings, torches, and all-night parties, attracting tourists and locals alike. Here are the highlights of the festival (shown in Lerwick Up Helly Aa).

A. The Unveiling of the Proclamation

Today, the proclamation is still an essential part of the hellfire tradition and is unveiled in the early morning (very early). It is brought to the market cross at 6 am by torchlight and remains there all day. If you want to see the unveiling, you must set your alarm.

The announcement of the proclamation is just the beginning of the celebrations that last more than 24 hours.

B. The Jarl's Squad Parade

On the day of the fire festival, the Jarl's Squad dresses in elaborate ancient Viking costumes, with every detail trying to restore history, from helmets to war boots. The team marches through the streets with shields and axes in hand, as if you are instantly transported back to the Viking era.

Morning Parade: The Jarl's Squad sets out from the Islesburgh Community Centre on King Harald Street at 8:15 am, accompanied by a pipe band and lots of Viking shouting.

Afternoon Parade: At 3:30 pm, the Jarl's Squad heads to the Shetland Museum, where the public can meet Vikings and try on helmets and axes. Although the museum was open to the public, it was packed. The museum visit is the last public event for the Jarl's Squad before the evening parade.

The Youth Parade sets out from Hillhead at 5:30 pm, with the Youth Earls and other Youth Squads heading towards the King George V Playing Fields.

Evening Parade: At 7:30 pm, the street lights dim, and The Jarl's Squad lines up to start the evening parade. The parade follows a set route while spectators line the streets to watch the event. The cheers and shouts of the parade create a warm and joyful atmosphere. The evening parade lasts about 30 minutes.

C. Lighting the Galley

The climax of the fire festival is the ceremony of lighting the Viking galley. As with the Jarl'sJarl's Squad set, a new galley is built each year and burned at the end of the evening torchlight procession.

In Lerwick, the galley is collected and towed by the morning procession at St. Sannivar Street and then taken to the daytime "dock" next to the Bressay ferry terminal, where it stays until the evening. Under the cover of darkness, as the torches are lit, flames instantly surround the galley and rise to the sky, lighting the entire night sky.

After the evening parade, the galley will be taken into the King George V Stadium. Then, when the Jarl comes out of the kitchen and the torches are thrown into the galley, the Up Helly Aa and Galley Song will be sung. And when the galley burns, people will sing The Norseman's Home.

D. Celebrate at the Halls

In addition to the visual shock, the fire festival also brings auditory and sensory enjoyment to the audience. In the halls, banquets, dancing, and joyful all-night parties await people. Each hall (usually 11 halls open) will have music and dance performances and provide warm soup, pancakes, pies, cakes and other delicacies.

In short, people can enjoy the performances and participate in the activities while tasting authentic Shetland cuisine. However, to experience the celebrations, you need a hall ticket. Please pay attention to the hall ticket sales at least two months before.

How To Plan A Trip To The Shetland Fire Festival?

Planning the perfect Shetland Fire Festival trip requires thorough preparation, from understanding the event to booking tickets, accommodation, transportation, and what to pack. Here is a detailed travel guide to help you have an unforgettable trip.

Tip 1: Learn More about the Shetland Fire Festival

Every year, Shetland welcomes visitors worldwide who want to see the spectacle of Up Helly Aa flames. In addition, Shetland Fire Festival activities include concerts, dance performances, and traditional food sales.

For the latest event information and schedule, it is recommended that you visit the Shetland Fire Festival's official website or social media accounts in advance.

Tip 2: Ticket Booking for the Shetland Fire Festival

The main parade, which takes place in the morning or evening of the Shetland Fire Festival, requires no tickets. You can watch it directly, and you are free to enter.

However, Up Helly Aa Hall tickets in Lerwick are minimal. If you want to attend the late-night celebrations at Lerwick Town Hall, keep an eye on The Shetland Times, as limited tickets will be available. Booking tickets as early as possible and confirming the booking information is recommended. If you are not lucky enough to get one of these tickets, you can call the Lerwick iCentre (+44 (0)1595 3434) in January, and they will put you on a waiting list for tickets.

Tip 3: Accommodation in Shetland

Due to the large number of visitors during the Fire Festival, Shetland accommodation can be very tight, so booking your accommodation in advance is essential. For a better experience, choose accommodation in or near the centre of Lerwick, which will be not only convenient for the Fire Festival and the beautiful scenery of Shetland.

Accommodation in the centre of Lerwick is usually very limited, so it is recommended that you book at least two months in advance. In addition, Shetland accommodation prices are usually higher this time of year.

Tip 4: Ways to Get to the Shetland

The Shetlands are connected to mainland Scotland by regular flights and ferries. It is recommended that you book your flight or ferry ticket in advance.

By Plane: The easiest way to Shetland is by plane, which is usually cheaper the earlier you book. Scottish airline Loganair operates regular flights to the islands from major Scottish cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.

By Boat: Another option to travel to the Shetland Islands from mainland Scotland is to take a ferry from Aberdeen, operated by Northlink Ferries. It is a 12-hour journey, departing Aberdeen and Lerwick every evening and arriving the following day. If the ferry stops at Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands on the way, it takes 14 hours. The ferry is open all year round and runs seven nights a week between Aberdeen and Lerwick.

For more details, such as prices, please visit the Northlink Ferries website.

Tip 5: Pack the Essentials for Your Trip

To ensure that you can enjoy this journey comfortably and safely during the Shetland Fire Festival, here is a detailed checklist for your reference:

With the above-detailed planning, you will have a wonderful and memorable trip to the Shetland Fire Festival. Please adjust your journey plan according to your needs and situation and be prepared beforehand.

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

Joining the Shetland Fire Festival is exciting. You can experience the local culture, play with natives, and learn specific histories. However, can you imagine how hard it would be if you lost electricity during your trip?

Don't worry—a portable power supply, like Jackery Portable Power Station, powers your electronics and devices by supplying consistent power when needed. It allows you to remain connected to the modern world while charging your devices.  

The industry-leading battery management system of Jackery Portable Power Station safeguards your charging devices with 12 layers of control, and its excellent fire and shock resistance allows you to use it confidently in any situation. Safety comes first.

Up to 30% of its weight and dimensions are reduced compared to alternatives. It has an ergonomic handle design and is convenient to transport to any desired location. Jackery offers portable power solutions ranging from 99W to 12 kWh, capable of powering up to 99% of equipment, including phones, cameras, drones, portable speakers, electric hand warmers, etc.    

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

The Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station is small but has a strong 256Wh capacity. At about 7.94 lbs and with a tiny foldable handle, it is more lightweight and portable than conventional models, allowing for effortless storage in your bag. It has one wall outlet, USB-A port, and USB-C port to charge up to five devices simultaneously, making it easy to power multiple tools quickly and efficiently.  

Quickly charge your gadgets and enjoy a longer battery life. Stay charged and linked no matter where you go. You can recharge it with SolarSaga 80W for 5 hours, a wall outlet for 2 hours, and even carport recharging for 5 hours.

Through an app, the Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station can be fully charged from 0% to 100% in one hour. This is possible with the Emergency Charging Mode. Your portable power pack will ensure you never run out of power while on the go.

It used to be an NCM battery but has been upgraded to an LFP battery. It has an impressive 3,000 life cycle and can last up to 10 years, making it a safe camping and hiking companion.

Review from Our User:

I've been using the 240v1 for over a year during my camping trips and have been impressed with its quality and reliability. So, it was easy to purchase the latest 240v2 for extra capacity while maintaining a compact and portable design. I ensure they stay charged using 80w portable solar panels, compact enough to recharge from the car during a day trip.  

Jackery Explorer 100 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus has a LiFePO4 battery that endures 2,000 cycles while maintaining 80% of its capacity. Weighing only 965 grammes, it offers portable power conveniently within your grasp. Furthermore, it is sufficiently lightweight and small for transport, allowing onboard aircraft carriage.

The Explorer 100 Plus is a portable power station with a 128W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter and a capacity 99Wh. It can charge three devices concurrently, featuring a 100W Dual PD Output and one USB-A output. For example, you can charge your phone while powering the camera, earphones, or tablet.

MPPT technology guarantees 99% efficiency in solar charging. A complete DC input requires 1.8 hours, whereas solar charging with a single SolarSaga 100W solar panel necessitates 2 hours. Jackery provides comprehensive solutions for all scenarios, including car charging and alternative charging ways, as well as during power cuts.          

The Explorer 100 Plus features a resilient LFP (LiFePO4) battery, enhanced by a proprietary BMS (Battery Management System) that provides additional protection. After 2,000 charge cycles, the battery retains 80% capacity, guaranteeing an outstanding 8-year longevity, even with daily charging.  

Review from Our User:

This mini Jackery is fantastic! I've been using it for a couple of months now. Regarding charging, it's swift in ideal conditions and performs well overall; I don't anticipate hitting the 100w max. I briefly reached 93w, but the average is around 35w. It does tend to slow down in colder temperatures, dropping to about 15w.  

Tips for Attending the Shetland Fire Festival

Shetland Fire Festival is an annual grand celebration in the Shetland Islands of the United Kingdom. By following the following precautions, you can better enjoy this traditional celebration while ensuring your safety and that of others.

Tip 1: Plan and Book in Advance

Due to the popularity of the Shetland Fire Festival, it is recommended that accommodation and transportation be booked in advance to avoid temporary difficulties in finding suitable accommodation or transportation. In addition, local traffic may be congested during Shetland Fire Festival. Plan your route and choose public transit or walk to the event site.

Tip 2: Dress Warmly

The weather in the Shetland Islands is cold in January, and the temperature is usually around freezing. Therefore, it is recommended to wear warm clothing, waterproof jackets, and comfortable shoes to cope with the unpredictable weather. In addition, there are many activities during the Shetland Fire Festival, and improper dressing may affect the experience.

Tip 3: Respect Local Customs

Shetland Fire Festival incorporates rich Viking cultural traditions. Please be respectful when participating in the event and do not touch or destroy the performance props and decorations at will.

In addition, when watching performances and participating in activities, please be civilized and polite, do not make loud noises, do not crowd and push, and respect other tourists' viewing experience. In short, please be courteous and abide by local customs and etiquette to show the image of civilized tourists.

Tip 4: Protect the Local Ecological Environment

The Shetland Islands have a beautiful natural environment, so during the Shetland Fire Festival, please consciously keep the environment clean and do not litter. In addition, the Shetland Islands have a fragile ecosystem and protected wildlife. Please observe animals such as puffins, seals and otters from a distance and avoid close contact and disturbing them.

Tip 5: Pay Attention to Safety

The torch parade and bonfire ceremony are the highlights of the Shetland Fire Festival, but these activities involve open flames and pose certain safety risks.

Other Stunning Places & Fun Things in Shetland

Winter in Shetland is a season of wild beauty for those who love the wild and rugged. While the fire festival (Up Helly Aa) is undoubtedly the highlight of a trip to Shetland, there is much more to see and do on these islands.

Stunning Places to See in Shetland

If you have extra time, consider exploring some of the following attractions in Shetland:

Jarlshof

Jarlshof is a fascinating archaeological site near Sumburgh that showcases 4,000 years of history. Walking through Jarlshof, you can explore ancient roundhouses, Iron Age stone towers, Norse longhouses and even medieval farmsteads.

•  Location: Sumburgh, Shetland ZE3 9JN, United Kingdom

•  Contact: +44 1950 460112

•  Website: Jarlshof

Sumburgh Head

Located at the southernmost tip of mainland Shetland, Sumburgh Head is home to a spectacular lighthouse perched on the edge of a cliff. It also offers the chance to spot puffins, seals and other seabirds. As a result, it is one of the best wildlife viewing spots in the UK and is popular with birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

•  Location: Sumburgh ZE3 9JN, United Kingdom

•  Contact: +44 1950 461966

•  Website: Sumburgh Head

Broch of Mousa

The Broch of Mousa is a 13-metre-high stone tower and one of the best-preserved Iron Age buildings in the world. It is also a haven for wildlife, with petrels nesting in the tower's walls during the summer. To visit the Broch of Mousa, you need to take a boat.

•  Location: Shetland ZE2 9HP, United Kingdom

•  Website: Broch of Mousa

Fun Things to Do in Shetland

In addition to the famous sights, there are some fun things to do in Shetland.

Play with Shetland Ponies

The Shetland pony is one of the island's most iconic symbols. It is loved for its petite figure and gentle and intelligent character. Shetland ponies are about 71 to 107 cm tall at the shoulder, have thick fur and short limbs, and are brilliant. Some local farms often offer the opportunity to meet and even ride these cute animals.

Learn about Shetland Wool and Knitwear

The Shetland Islands are famous for their high-quality wool and exquisite knitwear patterns. Therefore, those interested in traditional craftsmanship must visit local wool shops or workshops. One of the best places to learn about Shetland wool is the Shetland Textile Museum in Lerwick. Many local artisans still use traditional methods to make beautiful hand-knitted clothing so that you can buy some Shetland knitwear as a souvenir.

Shetland Fire Festival FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Shetland Fire Festival:

1. What is the Shetland Fire Festival?

From January to March each year, the Shetlands come together for a series of spectacular and unique fire celebrations. Remarkably, there are 11 different fire festivals in Shetland.

2. What is the biggest fire festival in Scotland?

The largest fire festival occurs in Lerwick on the last Tuesday in January each year.

3. Why does Shetland celebrate Up Helly Aa?

The Shetland fire festival is known as Up Helly Aa in Shetland. The term roughly translates to "Up Holy Day All" and marks the end of Christmas and the beginning of brighter days.

Up Helly Aa originated in the 19th century, and the celebrations were said to be held to welcome the slow return of daylight. It started with a few cheerful young people rolling flaming tar drums through the streets of Lerwick, but it became increasingly rowdy.

As a result, measures had to be taken to control this potentially disastrous behaviour. In the 1870s, tar barrel rolling was banned in Shetland and was soon replaced by the first torchlight procession, which took place in Lerwick in 1876.

Final Thoughts

The above is our guide to the Shetland Fire Festival and a summary of our experience participating in this fantastic festival. This ancient festival allows people to not only feel the unique charm of Viking culture but also experience the simplicity and enthusiasm of the residents. In short, the Shetland Fire Festival is a unique cultural experience that shows the Shetland Islanders' community spirit and historical pride.