David Gifford Photography

The Guizer Jarl with his family at the end of the galley burning. ] View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/silhouetted-reflections/

As the galley burns, there’s an evocative moment as the gathered guizers watch on and sing a requiem, ‘The Norseman’s Home’. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/aflame/

The last of the torches are thrown into the galley, now well ablaze. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/last-torch/

Glowing embers drifting in the wind. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/sparks-2024/

After a bugle fanfare, the torches are throw-in, and the galley sent to Valhalla in a fiery blaze. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/to-valhalla/

The Guizer Jarl atop his galley, surrounded by his squad, as the procession encircles the galley. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/round-the-galley-ship-ii/

The guizers gathering around the galley as the procession comes to an end. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/encircling-the-galley-ii/

The long procession of torch carrying guizers make their way through the darkened streets. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/up-helly-aa-2024-streets-of-lerwick-ii/

The streets filled with spectators as the torch-lit procession and galley make their way through a set route. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/up-helly-aa-2024-streets-of-lerwick/

The Guizer Jarl atop the galley, illuminated by the burning torches below. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/windswept-beard/

The torches lit, the Jarl Squad prepare to start the evening procession. View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/all-aboard/

Restrictions on women joining squads in the Lerwick Up Helly Aa were lifted in 2023. This year, 2024, marked the first time women and girls took part in the Jarl Squad (the lead squad of Viki...

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/jarl-squad-first/

The brief surreal, atmospheric, moment as torches are lit from flares. Featured in the centre of the photo is the 2024 Junior Up Helly Aa galley. View photo on the David Gifford Photogra...

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/galley-pullers/

Bright sunshine a welcome sight on Up Helly Aa day! View photo on the David Gifford Photography website.

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/sunlit-vikings/

The suits, axes and shields worn by the Jarl Squad are unique each year. They’re not historic replicas, but rather carry on traditions and take inspiration from previous Up Helly Aa festiva...

https://www.davegifford.co.uk/photo/marauding-vikings/