Gallery: musical fun at Mareel as Rising North kicks off

14 August 2026 15:50

(the) 3310 closed the night at Mareel. Photo: Brian Gray

LERWICK was well and truly alive with the sound of music last night (Thursday) as the Rising North festival kicked off.

Local bands and DJs were spread across Mareel, The Lounge, The Thule and Trench in a series of free events.

It came ahead of the main events at the Clickimin tonight and Saturday daytime and evening, with tickets still available.

Thanks to Brian Gray for these photos of the Rising North gig at Mareel last night, which saw (the) 3310, Toadfish, Delorean and Operation Shovel play to an all-ages audience.

Among the highlights on the Thursday night was the long-awaited return of local metal band Beast Head after a 12-year absence, who played at a night of heavy music at the Thule.

Operation Shovel had the honour of opening this year’s Rising North festival when they took to the stage first at Mareel. Photo: Brian Gray

Lisa Ward of Toadfish. Photo: Brian Gray

Dave Kok of Delorean on stage at Mareel. Photo: Brian Gray

Tim Matthew on the sound desk. Photo: Brian Gray

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