Photo Story: Up Helly Aa Festival 2016
Originating in the 1880s, the spectacular Up Helly Aa festival in Lerwick, Shetland celebrates Norse heritage and sees a Viking longship dragged through the streets by a horde of 'guizers', before dramatically being set alight.
A group of young vikings march through the streets as part of the Up Helly Aa Viking Festival.
Picture ©Andrew Milligan / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Members of the Jarl Squad carry flaming torches through the streets.
Picture ©Andrew Milligan / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Flaming torches are held aloft, before the Galley is set alight
Picture: ©Andrew Milligan / PA Wire/Press Association Images
The Galley roars as it bursts into flames
Picture: ©Andrew Milligan / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Authors
Carys is the Group Digital Editor of countryfile.com and discoverwildlife.com. Carys can often be found trail running, bike-packing, wild swimming or hiking in the British countryside.
