Historic change at Lerwick Up Helly Aa as women join the torchlight procession alongside men

For the first time in the history of the Shetland fire festival, women will participate in the prestigious “jarl squad” at the annual Lerwick Up Helly Aa. This significant change comes after officials decided in 2022 to allow female participants to take part in leading the famous torchlight procession.

Previously, the tradition had been male-only, with the procession led solely by men. However, this year’s event marks a momentous occasion with both men and women taking centre stage during the festivities.

One of the women stepping up to lead the procession is Jenna Moar, a 16-year-old from Shetland and the daughter of Richard Moar, the chief jarl for this year’s festival. Her participation in the squad marks an exciting development in the longstanding tradition of the event.

Lerwick Up Helly Aa, held annually on the last Tuesday of January, features a grand spectacle where over 1,000 torches are lit, and participants dressed in Viking-style costumes march through the streets. The event kicks off at 8:20 am with morning parades, followed by the much-anticipated evening procession at 7 pm.

The event is organised by a committee of 17 volunteers, with one new member elected each year by the guizers (costumed participants), further cementing the community-driven nature of the festival.