Up Helly Aa events at the Shetland Museum
Join us at the Shetland Museum & Archives as we celebrate Up Helly Aa with extended opening times, Viking tours, a food and drink event, Jarl Squad visit, UHA photo display and a Peerie Vikings craft session for the bairns.
Photographic exhibition
Up Helly Aa Through the Years (1900 - 1965) - on display until Sunday, 2nd February 2025
Take a look at the vibrant history of Shetland’s iconic fire festival in a new display featuring photographs from 1900 - 1965. Drawing from the museum’s photo archive, the display captures the magic, humour and preparation of Up Helly Aa.
UHA Daily Tours
Viking Life in Shetland – taking place from Friday 24 to Tuesday 28 Jan
Tickets £10 - Book your space here.
From early settlement to Viking arrival; join this tour to find out the impact Norse people brought to everyday life in Shetland. Language, architecture, cultural beliefs and more will be explored, by one of our knowledgeable visitor assistants, to highlight the influences from this period which contribute to the rich heritage Shetland has today.
Monday 27th January (Museum is open from 10am – 6pm)
Peerie Vikings (free drop-in event)
10am – 12.30pm
Join us for a morning of Viking fun your peerie one will have the chance to make paper helmets, shields and torches.There will also be tough-tray stations with various Viking themed toys to get your little one ready for the fiery season. Make sure to stick around until 12noon as there will be a peerie Up Helly Aa procession through the galleries, lots of singing and the opportunity to throw their newly made torches into our mini galley. Donations on the door - suggested £2
Taste of Shetland at Up Helly AA
11am – 6pm (cooking demos in the learning room from 12.30pm)
We're delighted that Taste of Shetland will be joining us at the museum on Monday 27 January with a pop-up seafood shack; live cooking demonstrations and food & drink stalls.
Tuesday 28th January (Museum is open from 10am – 5pm)
11.45am – 2.45pm - Junior Galley on display
Get a close-up view of the Junior UHA galley which will be positioned outside the museum at Hay’s Dock from 11.45am – 2.45pm.
2pm – Live music
There’s always a great atmosphere in the museum on UHA day – as we gear up for the Jarl Squad visit we will have live music playing in the foyer area during the afternoon.
3.30pm - Jarl Squad Visit
Members of the public are invited to watch as the 2025 Lerwick Jarl Squad make their official visit to Shetland Museum & Archives, and have the chance to see them perform their UHA song, chat to the squad and perhaps even get the chance to try on a helmet or hold a shield.
Tickets: this event is free of charge but will be in high demand with just 100 tickets available – tickets will go on sale via our Box Office at 12.30pm on Monday 20th January.
Wednesday 28th – Normal opening times resume, the museum open from 10am - 4pm
Remember our other Shetland Amenity Trust sites are open too:
Guided tours of Old Scatness Broch and Iron Age Village
Tours on Wednesday 29 January - book your ticket here
Sumburgh Head Lighthouse & Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve
Open from Saturday 25 to Friday 31 January, 10am - 4pm (closed on Monday & Tuesday)
