BBCNEWS The July 2, 2024
and today the sleepy town of lerwick is facing an invasion from a long dormant foe. men shout the vikings. cheering and shouting so this is up helly aa. it's one of a number of viking festivals that take place in shetland every year. this one in lerwick is the biggest. up helly aa is best known for its night—time procession. almost 1,000 people carry flaming torches through the streets, then set fire to a replica viking ship. the day begins with a march through the town led by the jarl squad, a group of around 60 locals kitted out in elaborate viking garb. i mean, this is serious s...