Up Helly Aa broadcast

THIS year’s Up Helly Aa fire festival, in Lerwick, will again been broadcast online to an international audience.

Promote Shetland said that a number of cameras would be deployed during the annual procession and burning on Tuesday, covering the town’s Lower Hillhead, King Harald Street and overlooking the George V playing fields.

Since marketing agency’s first experimental webcast in 2010, when several hundred viewers followed the proceedings, it has grown in popularity reaching around12,000 viewers last year.

Andy Steven of Promote Shetland said the live broadcast could be accessed at www.uphellyaa.com 

“Up Helly Aa is a real community event and we try to improve the online experience year-on-year.

“Based on viewer feedback it’s clear that is welcomed around the world by the Shetland diaspora and those who are just plain curious.

“The weather has always been a talking point for the event but after 2013’s experience and the recent storms we are as prepared as we can be!”