Shetland Festivals and Celebrations
Exploring the Shetland Islands is a delightful adventure that unveils a tapestry of rich traditions and captivating experiences. From the fiery spectacle of Up Helly Aa to the ethereal Simmer Dim, from the vibrant Shetland Folk Festival to the creative celebration of Shetland Wool Week, this archipelago in the North Atlantic is a treasure trove of cultural wonders. With each passing season, Shetland beckons visitors to immerse themselves in its unique charm and uncover its hidden gems. Prepare to discover a world like no other. In this article, we present an array of exciting things to do in Shetland, inviting you to embark on a remarkable journey through its fabulous festivals and timeless traditions.
Up Helly Aa
One festival that cannot be overlooked is Up Helly Aa, so this extended piece has been created to outline its importance within the Shetland community.
Up Helly Aa stands as a pinnacle of Shetland culture, a breathtaking spectacle that mesmerises locals and visitors alike. This annual festival, held on the last Tuesday of January, pays homage to the Norse heritage deeply ingrained in Shetland's history. Rooted in the Viking past, Up Helly Aa showcases the resilience and camaraderie of the islanders while embodying their unwavering connection to their ancestral roots.
Up Helly Aa centres around the enactment of a dramatic Viking procession known as the ‘Guizer Jarl's Squad’. This meticulously planned and executed display involves a large group of participants, each adorned in elaborate Viking costumes and led by the Guizer Jarl, the festival's chief. The Jarl and his squad parade through the streets, brandishing torches that illuminate the winter darkness.
The climax of Up Helly Aa occurs when the procession reaches its final destination, usually a designated area or a replica Viking longship. The crowd gathers around as the Jarl's Squad surrounds the ship, creating an awe-inspiring sight. With a thunderous cheer, the torches are simultaneously thrown onto the longship, engulfing it in flames. The crackling fire casts an otherworldly glow, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and the rebirth of the new year.
Up Helly Aa's significance within Shetland culture cannot be overstated. It serves as a unifying force, bringing communities together and reinforcing the bonds of kinship and shared heritage. The festival showcases the islanders' pride in their Norse ancestry and their commitment to preserving and celebrating their cultural identity. As the flames dance and the warmth of community spirit fills the air, Up Helly Aa serves as a reminder of Shetland's vibrant history and its people's enduring resilience.
Shetland Folk Festival
The Shetland Folk Festival is a celebration of music, camaraderie, and cultural exchange that captures the essence of Shetland's vibrant musical heritage. Held annually in late April, this internationally renowned festival attracts musicians, artists, and enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.
During the festival, the picturesque landscapes of the Shetland Islands resonate with the melodies of fiddles, accordions, guitars, and an array of traditional instruments. Concerts, workshops, and impromptu sessions take place in venues ranging from community halls to historic buildings, creating an electric atmosphere that reverberates through the archipelago.
From late-night jam sessions to intimate gatherings, the festival creates an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their musical background, can come together to celebrate the power of music.
Shetland Folk Festival © Dale Smith
The Shetland Folk Festival encapsulates the spirit of Shetland, where music serves as a unifying force, connecting generations and preserving the islanders' rich cultural heritage.
Simmer Dim Bike Rally
Each year, the United Kingdom’s most northerly bike rally draws in hundreds of passionate bikers to embark on an organised trip coinciding with Simmer Dim. With 24/7 daylight around this period, it creates a magical atmosphere and serves as an incredible backdrop for the event.
Simmer Dim Bike Rally © Kevin Bryant
Groups of bikers disembark from the ferry, weaving their way through the picturesque isles towards the campsite. This annual rally encompasses much more than just two-wheeled (or sometimes three-wheeled!) marvels. The islands pulsate with the rhythmic beats of music, while a typically lively beer tent serves as a hub of social interaction. Amidst the revelry, lighthearted games add a touch of silliness, and the committee ensures that hunger is never an issue with an abundance of homemade food, lovingly prepared in local halls.
Shetland Wool Week
Wool Week marks the largest celebration of Shetland wool and traditional knitting practices in the world. Each autumn, hundreds of visitors come to the islands to participate in some of the fantastic events throughout the week.
The legacy of Shetland knitwear is deeply rooted in the skilled craftsmanship of generations of dedicated knitters and crofters, who have honed their talents to produce exquisite lacework and world-renowned Fair Isle patterns.
Knitted Hat © Shetland Wool Week
The festival offers an extensive array of exhibitions, classes, and events, covering a diverse range of subjects. Participants can expect to explore the art of weaving, spinning, and dyeing, among many other fascinating techniques. From the southernmost tip of Shetland to the northern isle of Unst, the festival has points of interest across numerous locations, allowing attendees to explore the islands and engage with the rich tapestry of Shetland's textile heritage.
Shetland Boat Week
For countless generations, Shetlanders have made their livelihoods in close connection to the sea, with the maritime industry remaining as vital today as ever before. Honouring this profound heritage, Shetland Boat Week serves as a magnificent showcase, inviting visitors to learn about the rich maritime traditions and witness the fascinating evolution from past to present.
Boat Week © Shetland.org
Shetland Boat Week offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore vessels and venues that are typically inaccessible to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the maritime world that thrives around the Shetland Islands. From modern ships built with cutting-edge technology to vessels that hark back to times gone by, the contrasting styles of past and present stand side by side. Amidst a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and a brilliant community spirit, this event allows visitors to unravel the threads of Shetland's maritime heritage, allowing a deeper appreciation for the islanders' enduring relationship with the ocean.
The Shetland Islands are steeped in tradition and there is a real sense of community throughout the islands, particularly highlighted by some of the fantastic events and festivals this article has covered. Why not take a trip to the United Kingdom’s northernmost archipelago and experience some of the celebrations first-hand?
How do you get to the Shetland Islands?
The most common ways to travel to the islands are either arriving by ferry or by getting flights to Shetland. At Airtask, we offer Shetland inter-island flights, operating passenger services between Lerwick, departing from Tingwall Airport, to both Foula and Fair Isle. For more information and flight scheduling, please click here.