Vikings in Shetland – in pictures

Vikings take to the streets of Lerwick Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images

Roaring success: Up Helly Aa has been going since 1881 Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images

Vi-kids: young particpants in the Lerwick festival Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images

A member of the Jarl Squad – you must be a member of the festival for 15 years before becoming a Jarl Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

If you thought some of the hats at Glastonbury looked strange … Photograph: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/Getty Images

… but you probably wouldn’t say anything sarcastic about their hats to these guys Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

The Viking Jarl Squad surround their leader or 'Guizer Jarl' on a Viking ship Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images

The viking galley is surrounded by members of the Jarl Squad Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images

It’s one way to keep warm on a winter’s evening … Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

Ring of fire at the Up Helly Aa festival Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

The galley is set on fire towards the end of the festival Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

The axe falls as the ship is engulfed in flames Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA