Scalloway Fire Festival postponed

THE 2021 Scalloway Fire Festival has been postponed for a year due to the “continuing uncertainty” around the Covid-19 pandemic.

The fire festival, which is the first of the season, takes place each year on the second Friday of January.

Current Scalloway Fire Festival committee chairperson and 2020 jarl George Martin said: “All 12 Fire Festival squads have been contacted through squad leaders and the unanimous view is that the event should be postponed for the coming year.

“This is of course hugely disappointing but the overwhelming view is that we need to consider the bigger picture and folk’s health and wellbeing is the absolute priority.”

Guizar jarl elect John Magnus Gray added: “It would be irresponsible to visit care homes, schools, the NAFC, village halls etc and to host our annual senior citizen’s party until we’re confident we can do so safely.

“We will look forward to preparing for and delivering a first class event in January 2022.”

The South Mainland and Delting Up Helly Aas which were scheduled for March this year were called off as the coronavirus crisis began to strike in Shetland.

The south end event was postponed to 2021 while the Delting festival was rescheduled to October.