We have lots of activity going on in our venues in the lead up to, and including the day of, Up Helly Aa!
See our list of events below:
The Shetland Arts and Crafts Association are excited to announce our 1st Craft Fair for Lerwick Up Helly Aa.
There will be lots of stalls from some of our talented members. It shall be located in the auditorium at Mareel 11am-6pm on the 28th of January with free admission.
We look forward to seeing you there!
See their Facebook event here.
Visit Shetland Arts & Crafts Association's website here.
This month's young musicians session takes place on the Sunday before Up Helly Aa in the cafe bar, showcasing bright new emerging local talent.
The line up includes:
2pm - Magnus Williamson and Liam Slater
2.25pm - Martha Robertson
2.40pm - Stramash
3.05pm - Haydn Brown
3.25pm - Forget Me Notes
3.50pm - Daisy Anderson
A date for your diaries!
The Taste of Shetland Up Helly Aa Food & Drink Market will be held in Mareel on Monday 29th January 2024, 12pm - 6pm. Free admission.
Buy and sample some of the finest local food and drink, and watch live cooking demonstrations featuring traditional Shetland recipes.
Participating producers include Shetland Reel, Scalloway Meat Company, Island Larder, Blyde Welcome, The Chocolate Box, Mackenzie's Farm Shop, and more!
See their Facebook event here.
Visit Shetland Arts & Crafts Association's website here.
Three cheers for the guizer jarl and his squad!
Mareel will be open as normal during the day of Up Helly Aa, with our usual cafe service running and films screening. We will also be selling programmes, Up Helly Aa Song 80's singles (vinyl and CD) and Up Helly Aa Song Custom Presentation boxes from Island Custom Music.
The cafe will be closing to the public at an earlier time of 4pm with the rest of the building then closing at 5pm, as preparations begin to set up our building to be used a hall.
Our doors will re-open for ticket holders at 9pm (please note, however, that we do not sell the tickets for this event).
For guests attending the celebrations, there will be a free cloakroom available at our front desk and our events bar will be open from 9pm - 3am.
*Mareel will re-open to the public at 12pm on Wednesday 31 January.
Tuesday 30 January / 12pm & 3pm / £15
The popular annual concert showcases Shetland musical talent on Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa day, featuring local favourites, including the 2023 Young Fiddler of the Year and a visit from the Junior Jarl Squad (at the 3pm performance).
Current line up:
Andy Kain & Kirsten Hendry
Beltane Ree’s Fiddlers
Kirmirren
Da Langstrings
Evie Williamson (Young Fiddler of the Year)
Tickets available online here, in-person at Mareel or over the phone on 01595 745500.
