Up Helly Aa festival in Shetland – in pictures
The annual Up Helly Aa festival celebrates the influence of the Scandinavian Vikings in Shetland and culminates with the setting on fire of their galley in the evening
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Participants dressed as Vikings eat breakfast as they prepare to participate in the annual Up Helly Aa festival
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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Members of the Jarl Squad before the start of the parade through the streets in Lerwick
Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA
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The Guizer Jarl is the main character in the celebration, and the Jarl Squad comprises supporters
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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A good breakfast is important
Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images
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A boy waits for the rest of the squad
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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And they are off on the march
Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA
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The Guizer Jarl and his squad. A person must be on a special committee for 15 years before they can be a Jarl – and each year just one person is elected to it
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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A replica galley – a type of ship – is built every year for the festival
Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA
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Children march through the streets of Lerwick
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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The Jarl Squad marching
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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The squad stand on the galley after the march
Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA
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When the sun sets, it’s time for the procession ...
Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA
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... which is when the galley is dragged through the streets
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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Torchbearers are all the various squads’ members, and are led by the Jarl Squad
Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images
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Following the procession, the torchbearers form a circle around the galley and sing a traditional song ...
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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... before throwing their torches on to the replica ship
Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA
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The burning of the galley marks the end of the celebration ...
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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... but the festivities continue long in to the night
Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
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