Bressay Up Helly Aa
Held the first Friday of March (6 Mar 2026). Around 100 guizers begin at Bressay Hall. Distinctive feature: the procession is open to all. Visitors with a torch can join the march, unique among Shetland fire festivals.
The only Up Helly Aa where the public can carry torches in the procession.
External page. Check current meetings, membership, and joining details directly with the group.
Other up helly aa squads
The original and largest Up Helly Aa, held the last Tuesday of January in Shetland's capital. Up to 1,000 guizers march in ~50 squads, but only the Guizer Jarl's Squad dresses as Vikings, embodying a chosen Norse 'Saga' figure. To become Jarl, a man (and since 2022, women) must serve 15 years on the Up Helly Aa Committee.
Junior version of the Lerwick festival, held the last Tuesday in January (same day as senior). Founded in 1956 by Anderson High woodwork teacher Tammie Moncrieff and headteacher GW Blance to train future guizers. The Junior Jarl is elected by first- and second-year Anderson High School pupils each autumn; parents build the squad's suits over winter.
First Up Helly Aa of the year, held the second Friday of January (9 Jan 2026) in Shetland's former capital. 200-300 guizers carry torches through the village; the galley is burnt on the sea at Port Arthur rather than on land, a Scalloway signature. Afterparty across five local halls with reestit mutton soup.
Held 10 days after Lerwick (6 Feb 2026). ~300 guizers. The Jarl Squad visits schools and elderly residents during the day, then leads a torchlit procession; the galley is burned at sea. Evening entertainment spans three community halls.
Held the third Friday of February (13 Feb 2026) in the south of Unst. Just under 200 guizers and two galleys: one decorative for the parade and one for burning on Shalder Taing beach at Uyeasound.
Held the last Friday of February (27 Feb 2026) on the island of Yell. The galley is led from Cullivoe Hall to the marina, then set alight and floated out to sea. Includes a Hop night and a Guizer's Return the following week.