Meet Zoe and Leanna, who went to see and take part in the procession and burning at the Bressay Up Helly Aa 2019, here in Shetland. The Bressay Up Helly Aa is different from many of our other fire festivals (we have 12 in total) as torch bearers are allowed on a first come-first served basis, so the procession is open to anyone to take part in.
Up Helly Aa is an important time in our year, with 12 fire festivals held annually between January and March. They involve all of the communities here in Shetland and are a real testament to how everyone pulls together and volunteers, year on year, to make it happen.