Up Helly Aa - an unparalleled experience

Scran

On this episode of Scran Rosalind takes the long trek north to experience a singular event, Shetland's Up Helly Aa which takes place in Lerwick at the end of January each year.

Rosalind spent two days on the island learning about the festival and its long tradition as well as exploring Shetland's world of food and drink, both past and present. You'll hear an array of voices, music and sounds on today's podcast.

First up Rosalind meets Ryan Leith of the Up Helly Aa Committee to learn more about the festival and the lengthy planning process it takes to run the event each year.

Rosalind went along to Lerwick's modern performing arts venue Mareel where a food and drink fair was taking place. There she met with island producers and businesses to find out more about the island's food and drink heritage and what is happening in this vibrant, progressive community.

She speaks to Martin Watt of Lerwick Distillery, Mary Andreas of Shetland Food and Drink, Nicola Johnston of Island Larder, Mark Turnbull of Shetland Reel Distillery, Johnny Sanderson of Lerwick Brewery and David Parham of the Hand Made Fish Co.

You'll also hear Rosalind chat to Kerry Redfern, a hostess at Sound Primary School which was preparing for hosting guests and the squads of guizers after the burning of the galley at Up Helly Aa.

Finally, you'll hear from the Guizer Jarl himself Richard Moar as well as some very important quizers this year - the first females ever to take part as part of the main Jarl squad, Sana and Zara.

Thanks to Adam Civico, Robert Geddes, Promote Shetland and all our contributors on the podcast. Thanks too to Jasmine Hendricks who you'll hear singing along beautifully to the Up Helly Aa song at the end of the podcast.

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