Yearly Local Events
NAME: Scalloway Fire Festival
LOCATION: Scalloway
DESCRIPTION: The Viking festivities begin in Scalloway with the local fire festival! Watch the parade through the street which begins at the Scalloway leigon and finishes at the boating club. The galley is placed in the sea before being set alight. The party then continues in the halls where groups of people (known as "squads") perform an act usually depicting an event which has taken place in Shetand over the past year. The viking squad also make an entrace and sing the "up-helle-ah" song along with a song of their own choice. There is usually also a band playing and Scottish dances taking place between the acts.
The following day, the "hop" takes place which features local bands playing at various venues around Scalloway.
The week after is the "return" - a brilliant night out! This night is usually in the Scalloway hall and has all the squads performing their act for the last time. The guizer yarl (head viking) also hands over the title to the yarl who will lead the parade the following year.
DOGS - although dogs are allowed at the procession (as it is an outdoor event), I would not recommend taking them! There is usually a lot of firey debri that flies off the top of the torches and they are more than likely to burn your furry friend or worse, blind them. If you want a photo of them with a viking, then there is usually opportunity throughout the day as they are out and about Scalloway then (you'll hear them before you see them!).
DATE: Beginning of January
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NAME: The local Up-Helle-Ahs!
LOCATION: Nesting, Northmavine, Whalsay, Unst, South Mainland, Brae..
DESCRIPTION: A lot of the local parishes have their own up-helle-ah celebrations and although they are smaller, they certainly do not lack in energy and enthusiasm! The events are much the same as Scalloway and Lerwick - there is a procession, the galley gets burned and a party follows. Only some host a "hop" and "return" night. If you happen to be in the area around the same time, then I recommend that you join in with the fun - its guaranteed to give you a laugh!
DATE: Beginning of February to end of March
To view a map and photos of this location:
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NAME: Cunningsburgh Show
LOCATION: Cunninsburgh
DESCRIPTION: Another great show to visit which is particularly nice on a warm summers day! With so much to see and do, you will easilly spend a whole afternoon here. Toilets are available at the hall as well as tea and homebakes. Why not couple the show with a trip to the Cunningsburgh beach?
DATE: Mid week in August
To view a map and photos of this location:
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NAME: Classic Car Show
LOCATION: Clickimin, Lerwick
DESCRIPTION: Weather you are a car fanatic or not, this is a must see event. Shetland is home to many classic cars, tucked away and lovingly restored each year ready to be taken out in the summer again. But its not just the locals who take their vehicles here - there are some that travel from quite far away just to join in with the fun. There is something quite lovely about seeing a line of perfectly polished old beauties pass you by, driven by their proud owners who cant keep the beam off their faces! Its always a good laugh and there is plenty to keep you busy for a good few hours.
DOGS: If you happen to have your four legged friend with you then you shoul note that they are not allowed inside the clickimin centre. However, you can wander around the outside grounds and the clickimin broch walk is right next door.
DATE: June
To view a map and photos of this location:
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NAME: Lerwick Up-Helle-Ah
LOCATION: Lerwick
DESCRIPTION: The biggest viking celebration in Shetland takes place in Lerwick - and it is spectacular. You can see the pictures, you can watch the videos, even live stream the event via the internet, but it can never compare to the real experience of being there. The procession begins at hill head in Lerwick and continues on to the play park where the squads circle around the galley in a bright and firey swirl of light. The galley is then burned before party then continues in the halls where squads perform an act usually depicting an event which has taken place in Shetand over the past year. The viking squad also make an entrace and sing the "up-helle-ah" song along with a song of their own choice. There is usually also a band playing and Scottish dances taking place between the acts.
Again, the following day, the "hop" takes place which features local bands playing at various venues around Lerwick.
DOGS: Same warning as with Scalloway! Keep safe
DATE: End of January
To view a map and photos of this location:
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NAME: Lerwick Dog Show
LOCATION: Lerwick, Gilbertson Park
DESCRIPTION: You'd be surprised at just how many dog breeds exist in Shetland! The show in Lerwick is one of the best places to see them all. Its a fun day out and includes prises for the best dog in each category. There is also an agility circuit set up for both the beginners and more experienced to try as well as the fly ball strip. In the hall, you'll find stalls filled with great items for your pooch and information with regards to looking after them. The local owners are very friendly and will usually be happy to answer any questions you might have about their breed.
Everyone is welcome to enter their dog on the day (so long as you arrive early enough), so why not show off your own four legged friend with the locals?
DATE: June
To view a map and photos of this location:
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NAME: Voe Show
LOCATION: Voe
DESCRIPTION: This is a large agricultural show which takes place in Voe and has loads to offer the public! There's a great number of animals including sheep, cows, hens, ducks, cats, dogs and rodents all competing for the prise of best in show. Locals can also enter their home made jam and other produce. Various tents line the area selling some lovely Shetland goods and there is usually a band playing for your enjoyment. Food and refreshments are available and there is a toilet within the hall. A visit to the show is a must if you happen to be in Shetland around the time and it can be coupled with a day trip to visit the beautiful area of Voe.
DATE: First weekend in August
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NAME: Walls Show
LOCATION: Walls
DESCRIPTION: Set in the lovely little village of Walls, this agricultural show has an array of animals and local produce for you to admire. Its a great day out and offers a chance for you to explore the area while you are there.
DATE: Second weekend in August
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NAME: Simmer Dim Ralley
LOCATION: Vidlin
DESCRIPTION: If you like motorbikes, then a visit to the simmer dim ralley is a must. Around 300 bikers travel to Shetland for the event which is the most northanly ralley in brittian. Its a wild weekend to say the least! At this time of year you'll often meet large groups following each other on one of their cruises around the islands (they usually give you a friendly wave!). Bikers usually camp in vidlin where there is also a large tent featuring games and local bands. Anyone can go and view the array of bikes (some of them very weird and wonderful) but you'll need a ticket to get into the tent - and these sell out very quickly!
DATE: June
To view a map and photos of this location:
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