Community / Junior Up Helly Aa procession with a difference lights up Lerwick
Girls were able to take part in this year’s procession, which attracted plenty of spectators in the centre of town
BOYS and girls lined the streets of Lerwick earlier this evening (Tuesday) to march in the Junior Up Helly Aa procession.
Reflecting changes to the senior Up Helly Aa, it is the first time the junior event has opened up to females.
The junior jarl squad is being led by James Morrison, who is representing Audunn Thorolfsson.
His squad has enjoyed a busy day of visits around town, including to Mareel, the NorthLink terminal and local schools.
The junior squad has its own galley; this year it is the red and white striped Thelma.
There were nearly 30 girls on the squad list for the junior event, and around 80 boys.
This year is the 66th Junior Up Helly Aa.
One of the 27 girls participating was 11-year old Chloe Bryant from Lerwick.
She said it was “really exciting and good” to be part of the junior Viking festival and added that she had been keen to carry a torch as this year was the first time girls were allowed in the junior festival.
Meanwhile Ella and Eva were two of ten in the all-girl Sound ‘R’ Us squad.
Ella said it was good to take part in the procession, and Eva said she “enjoyed it”.
The pair, who are from Sound Primary School, said they would be interested in taking again part next year.
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