Up-Helly-A’ 2013

The Up-Helly-A’ fire festival is well underway.

Under the watch of the “torch boys” the bill was carried to the Market Cross and erected and the Jarl’s Squad has started the morning procession, prior to the civic reception at the Town Hall at 11am.

This video shows the squad in all its glory for the first time, accompanied by the Pipe Band. 

The costumes combine blue, silver and enamelled pewter and each suit weighs 15kg. The making of the sutis involved 6,510 helmet elements and 44,730 breastplate elements.

Click for full image

Throughout the day the squad will visit Sound School, the Freefield Centre, Bells Brae School and the Gilbert Bain Hospital. Other visits include the Eric Gray Centre, musuem, Montfield and Viewforth.

The light up and procession starts at 7.30pm before the fun starts at the halls throughout the night.

Our second video of the day shows Jarl Stevie Grant leading the morning procession through town.

COMMENTS(18)

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  • Peg Young

    • January 29th, 2013 10:11

    THANK YOU, SHETLAND TIMES! It wis lovely ta see da boys up close. The Town Centre Webcam wisna at its best and, of coorse, dere was nae soond, so dis video has warmed my hert!

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  • Bryony Morrison

    • January 29th, 2013 11:58

    Wow! Everyone looks fantastic. Love the rich blue colour, should look fantastic under torchlight.

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  • Ron Stronach

    • January 29th, 2013 12:12

    Well done the Shetland Times for giving us ex-pats a flavour of what we are missing!

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  • Ken Milligan

    • January 29th, 2013 12:25

    Many thanks for the parade videos, looks like a great way to spend a sunny Tuesday morning in God’s own islands!

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  • joyce davies

    • January 29th, 2013 13:31

    Be great ta hae more film on dis site, been ta Up Helly Aa fir da last eight years in da toon, first time at a hall tonight though, lookin firward ta it, have a great day Jarl Stevie an aw da squad, hae a brolly fine time. ,

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  • LOIS THOMPSON

    • January 29th, 2013 14:01

    THIS IS SO FASINATING—-A FRIEND FROM SHETLAND ISLANDS SENT ME THIS LINK——WILL BE WATCHING ALL DAY—-VERY INTERESTING !!!

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  • Billy Doig

    • January 29th, 2013 16:45

    Great to see it live here in Turkey.Missed twa years noo.Wishing Stevie and his squad and da rest o’ da guizers a brilliant night.

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  • Andrea Ales

    • January 29th, 2013 16:58

    I am so glad I can watch the videos, see the pictures and listen to the music online! It makes my day in California, USA so much better! I’ll be watching the live feed (instead of working) today!!! THANK YOU!

    My goal is to be in Shetland for Up Helly Aa 2014!!!

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  • Mary Clarke

    • January 29th, 2013 20:29

    Thank you for opportunity to view from this end of the world NZ. Great video footage.

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  • Lindsey McPherson

    • January 29th, 2013 21:59

    Thanks Shetland Times, watchin here in NZ and great to see Stevie and his Squad, have a fantastic night everyone.

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  • Susan Naylor

    • January 30th, 2013 1:08

    Wonderful to watch your parades from Maryville, Tennessee, USA. Have been a pen pal with my friend Barbara for the last ten years. She is in her 80’s and shares wonderful stories of her life in Shetland. Was last there in 2004 and would love to return soon. I can’t imagine a more tranquil life than one that looks out on Papa Stour.

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  • Odentz Family

    • January 30th, 2013 10:08

    Well done Stevie and squad! Was great to see you all having fun and your costumes were amazing. Wish we could have been there but at least we got to see it on this video. Hope to see you soon. The Odentz Familyx

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  • Barney Leith

    • January 30th, 2013 11:15

    Wonderful to see these vids. Reminds me of the many happy years we had living in Shetland in the 1970s and early 80s.

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  • Fred Ruhland

    • January 31st, 2013 4:43

    Watched live from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. A first time for me to ever see this. So neat to see the weather did not bother anyone. Very interesting reading the History of the UpHellyAa. Sure looked like everyone had much fun.
    Looking forward to my visit there in mid June to see all there. Will be there for a full week and plan on visiting many of the other Islands. Great music and good to see the youth involved. See you all in June!

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  • Margaret Morgan

    • January 31st, 2013 8:15

    Thank you Shetland Times from a second generation ex-pat. Great stuff. My Norwegian cousin was in the squad this year.

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  • sean peterson

    • February 1st, 2013 17:15

    I hope you all had a wonderful Up Helly Aah, welcome spring. Stay safe wish you all the best on the Turbines and safe practical solution. Be Well…. from the states.

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  • John Tulloch

    • May 8th, 2013 2:31

    Where can i purchase one of thoes great outfits

    REPLY
  • John Tulloch

    • May 8th, 2013 2:37

    Seeing this parade is something i have dreamed about since my grandmother told me about when a young boy in New Zealand.

    REPLY

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