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Page last updated at 21:55 GMT, Tuesday, 31 January 2006

Guizers gathering for Up Helly Aa

Jarl Squad

The main set of guizers at the Up Helly Aa festival are known as the Jarl Squad

Viking galley

Hundreds of flaming torches are thrown onto the galley at the culmination of the night

Jarl Squad

The squad lead the processions through Lerwick and the festivities afterwards

Young guizer

The Viking guizers are made up from locals of all ages, dressed in helmets, sheepskins and carrying axes

Jarl Squad

Up Helly Aa is descended from the ancient festival of Yule, which the Vikings held to celebrate the rebirth of the sun

Up Helly Aa

The Norsemen set light to their longship after it has been dragged through Lerwick

Guizers

There will still be plenty for the Jarl Squad to do as the island parties into the night



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Viking fire festival takes light
31 Jan 06 |  Scotland


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