Community / Knut the Great’s galley goes up in flames as guizers get ready for a long night
THE SKIES of Lerwick were alight this evening with the breathtaking Up Helly Aa festival – with one couple from the Lake District describing it as a “dream come true”.
Around a thousand guizers made their way through town with their torches firmly in the air as they roared and sang with elation – before being thrown on the galley as the embers brightened up the dark evening.
Emma and Simon Elworth from the Lake District were among thousands who had come out or travelled to Shetland to watch the spectacle.
The Elworths said they had always dreamed of seeing the festival in person.
“We’d seen Up Helly Aa on Blue Peter when we were kids, and this is the year we managed to get here; it’s a dream come true.
“It’s a privilege to be here and to see how much effort everybody makes, it’s great to be part of your culture and get included in it, it’s an honour.”
Mr Elworth said he and his wife had actually been “lucky enough” to see the galley yesterday while it was still in the shed.
“We saw the galley before everybody else; it was such a privilege the work that’s gone into it is amazing,” he said
“The effort that’s also gone into the costumers is incredible and the whole town’s in on it, it’s superb.”
Alongside seeing the galley, they were also left in awe following their trip to Sumburgh’s Norse settlement Jarlshof.
They added they are also going to make their way to Lerwick Town Hall tonight to continue the celebrations and in the coming days they intend to “make the most” of their time in Shetland.
Chloe Irvine
Photo Dave Donaldson
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