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Entertainments

Entertainment in Shetland comes in many forms, from witty exchanges at the Alting (a debating group) to occasional major concerts by nationally-known artists.

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The Bonhoga Gallery, in Weisdale, hosts a programme of varied exhibitions.

We have several annual festivals, including the fire festivals (of which Up Helly Aa in Lerwick is the largest), the Folk Festival, the Johnsmas Foy, the Blues Festival, the Drama Festival, the Fiddle and Accordion Festival, a Book Festival (WordPlay) and, new in 2007, a Film Festival. All kinds of exhibitions and shows are held, too. The Shetland Museum and Archives and the Bonhoga Gallery host a continuous programme in art and heritage but we also have more unusual events like the biennial Classic Car and Motorcycle Show, which attracts entries from well beyond Shetland. Occasionally, too, Lerwick Harbour is packed with yachts or tall ships participating in long-distance races.

Drama and mainstream feature films are usually presented in Lerwick’s Garrison Theatre and there is a very active Film Club which offers the chance to see more unusual movies from around the world. A completely new performance space, Mareel, is planned, which it’s hoped will house film, drama and music.

Many pubs and clubs offer informal music sessions and there’s a remarkable range of societies and groups that reflect interest in every sort of hobby from water-ski-ing to line dancing and tai chi to pyrotechnics. The Shetland Community Directory contains full details.

Shetland is a small, close-knit community and some of our entertainment is still home-made. Some of the most enjoyable evenings are those spent with friends and neighbours in a local hall, where occasional dances still involve every generation.