Scalloway Fire Festival 2027 – Viking Fire Festival in Shetland

Welcome to the Scalloway Fire Festival 2027 in Scalloway

Scalloway Fire Festival 2027 takes place on Friday 8 January 2027 in Scalloway, Shetland, and opens the islands’ annual fire-festival season. As the first major Viking-themed fire festival of the year, a Guizer Jarl and squad in Norse dress lead a torchlit procession through the village. Spectators can watch the procession and the galley burning on the water free of charge; hall performances afterwards are ticketed and usually sell out well in advance.

Highlights & Attractions at Scalloway Fire Festival in Scalloway

• Opening event of the Shetland fire-festival season, held on the second Friday of January since 1984.
• Torchlit procession of guizers in Viking costume from Lovers Loan through Main Street and the West Shore to Port Arthur.
• Burning of the galley (replica Viking longship) at the Scalloway Boating Club slipway; the blazing boat is set adrift on the water.
• Fireworks and squad performances in several halls in Scalloway and on Burra into the night.
• Mixed squads: men and women take part, and women can join the Jarl Squad.
• Family-friendly: daytime Jarl Squad visits to schools and care homes; children are part of the tradition.
• A hop night often follows on Saturday; the Guizers’ Return takes place the following weekend.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

During the day the Jarl Squad tours Scalloway and nearby areas, visiting schools and community venues and showing the galley and costumes. In the evening (around 19:00 in recent years) guizers gather with torches at Lovers Loan. The procession moves through the village to the Scalloway Boating Club at Port Arthur. Torches are thrown into the galley, which is set alight and cast adrift. Squads then tour local halls (including Scalloway Hall, Scalloway Legion, Scalloway Boating Club, Bridge End, Hamnavoe and, depending on the year, Tingwall) with sketches, dancing and acts into the early hours.

Exact hall schedules and ticket sales for 2027 will be announced closer to the date through official channels. The main spectacle — torch procession and galley burning — remains free for spectators.

Tickets & Admission for Scalloway Fire Festival Scalloway

The torchlit procession and galley burning in Scalloway are free and open to the public. Entry to the hall performances is ticketed; tickets are limited, often held locally and tend to sell out early. Specific prices for 2027 had not been published at the time of research. Details and sales information usually appear on the festival page and via local organisers. There is no single large online box office as with major touring festivals — check announced sales routes in good time.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Scalloway

• Getting there: Reach Shetland by NorthLink ferry (e.g. Aberdeen–Lerwick) or by air to Sumburgh. Scalloway is about 10 km west of Lerwick by road or bus. Expect short walking distances in the village; some roads close during the procession.
• Weather and clothing: January in Shetland is cold, windy and often wet. Wear warm, windproof layers, sturdy footwear and gloves. Arrive early for a good view — the procession and harbour burning draw large crowds.
• Where to stay: January is fire-festival season; beds in Scalloway and Lerwick book up quickly, especially ahead of Lerwick Up Helly Aa later in the month. Reserve early.
• How the day works: Daytime public appearances by the Jarl Squad; evening torch procession around 19:00; hall parties afterwards by ticket only. Photography is common; respect participants and the community.
• Stay updated: Follow the official Scalloway site and local announcements for the Jarl, hall list and any route changes.