Anyone been to Up Helly Aa in Lerwick (Shetland Islands)?
 

Just wondering if anyone's been? What's it like getting there? Is it hard finding accomodation? How harsh is the weather at the end of January on the Shetland Isles?

Tar!

for anyone who's interested or never heard of it: http://www.uphellyaa.org/about-up-helly-aa/procession

Re: Anyone been to Up Helly Aa in Lerwick (Shetland Islands)?
 

never been but looks a bloody good gig. January as far north as you can go in the UK, if the wind is from the north it will bit the face off you. strangely i don't think they get much snow though.

do you get sea sick?

Re: Anyone been to Up Helly Aa in Lerwick (Shetland Islands)?
 

Looks a laugh that.

Re: Anyone been to Up Helly Aa in Lerwick (Shetland Islands)?
 

I have a mate who lives on Unst.

Re: Anyone been to Up Helly Aa in Lerwick (Shetland Islands)?
 

Cheers bib, guessing the climate conditions aren't right for tonnes of snow?

Sea sickness is a bit intermittent - can do a full 12 hour journey hull to rotterdam absolutely fine, then do dover calais and be hanging off the side of the boat emptying myself out for 90 mins. Mixed bag.

Re: Anyone been to Up Helly Aa in Lerwick (Shetland Islands)?
 

could be wrong but i think its more to do with the fact that they lie right on the gulf stream.

Re: Anyone been to Up Helly Aa in Lerwick (Shetland Islands)?
 

Missed it due to having to go play games in another place :( but yes it's supposed to be a good gig :cool: Can be hard to get there but the ferry runs in almost any weather, flights aren't cheap. Would suggest booking both ferry and place to stay earlier rather than later, you wont find many last minute deals. I have been there in January more than once and other than cold enough to freeze the proverbials :shock: there hasn't been much in the way of snow, rain on the other hand, that's almost a given :cool: