Up Helly Aa Through the Years (1900 - 1965)
Wednesday, January 8th 2025 - Sunday, February 2nd 2025
Da Briggiestanes
Take a look at the vibrant history of Shetland’s iconic fire festival in a new display at the Shetland Museum featuring photographs from 1900 - 1965. Drawing from the museum’s photo archive, the display captures the magic, humour and preparation of Up Helly Aa.
See the ingenuity of squads like 'Early Britons' and 'Council Housing' whose costumes reflect the topical and political themes of the day; as well as behind the scenes moments as torchbearers load their cargo onto lorries (c. 1950), or crowds eagerly reading the Up Helly Aa proclamation at the Market Cross (1930), and the camaraderie as the squads take part in the torchlit processions that continue to light up Shetland's winter nights.