On the last Tuesday of January each year, a group of vikings descend on Lerwick, Shetland with blazing torches.
This culminates in a Viking-style boat being set ablaze. But this isn't a scene from a movie, or the start of Ragnarök – instead, it's the annual celebration of Up Helly Aa.
Originating in the 1800s, the festival marks the end of the Yule season and the start of longer days. The Viking theme is thought to originate around 1889 onwards.
The Lerwick celebration is one of the most well-known fire festival celebrated in the Shetlands, with crowds of people lining the street. Take a look at some of the dramatic images.
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Main image: Getty
