Island fires up Viking festival

The Jarl Squad surround the galley and set it on fire

The annual Up Helly Aa festival has reached its climax with the burning of a Viking galley on Shetland.

Events in Lerwick began early on Tuesday with the Guizer Jarl leading 55 men of the Jarl Squad down the streets of the town, cheered on by crowds.

The festival, which began in the 19th Century, allows locals and tourists alike to celebrate the Viking heritage of the islands.

Up Helly Aa has been dubbed the world's most magnificent fire festival.

A procession of 900 guizers, many dressed as Vikings, marched through the streets of the town.

Members of the Jarl Squad escort the galley through the streets

The procession culminated with the burning of a Viking galley, this year named Pete's Dragon, which was built especially for the occasion.

After the galley has been burnt, a series of performances take place in 11 local halls in Lerwick with squads visiting each hall to take part in the dancing and festivities.

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