Lerwick Up Helly Aa

[Wheesht]

or at least for those who dont give a toss about UHA to be able to work the next day and take that day off when they want.

 

Bang on and while we are on that subject this Xmas crap. I hate it, am not a christian and don't want forced into taking those days either.

[Rasmie]

wheesht said

Bang on and while we are on that subject this Xmas crap. I hate it, am not a christian and don't want forced into taking those days either.

 

Lucky ba***** getting holidays on holidays. most of us have no choice and can't get the day after up helly aa off, unless you take annual leave Christmas going that way too.

[AndyVocoustic]

heres hoping the Press and Journal do a little better this year!!!!

8O 8O 8O

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/AndyVocoustic/uphellyaa2.jpg

[Wheesht]

Hundreds line route to se local hero?

 

Hero, where does that come from?

[Rasmie]

must be the guizer jarl - Cameron Stoot

[clockwatch]

what is the route of the procession tonight and when does it start?

[Twerto]

Same as every years.. starts at lower hillhead outside the town hall.. and winds around St olaf strret and king harald st. at 19:30 i think..

 

best to get there early to get a good advanatage point which is usally around the monument.. as you can see most of the procession from there including the final burning.

 

must say i like the idea behind the helmets this year..

[markj]

As i'm not home what are the suits like? any good?

[Njugle]

It's just the 'bear' essentials markj.

 

 

Ahem, sorry. They have metal 'bear heads' for helmets this year, pretty different, look like they weigh a ton. The shields are nice, the 'celtic' design on them is actually interwoven fire hoses (Graham is a fireman), the kirtle is blue pigskin and they have brass and stainless looking breast plates that have designs cut into the individual plates, the main one being a 'bear paw' design. The axes are very decorative too. All-in-all i think decorative describes the suits pretty well. There is little attempt at any kind of viking authenticity, which is fair enough i suppose.

Allegedly the suits weigh 3 stone each.

[fratelli]

The helmets apparently weigh 12lbs!!

 

I hope the bairns one are made of polystyrene or something!

[Ally]

I'm jealous... I wish I was in Shetland right now, getting into some ridiculous furry suit and then heading out for fire/booze related madness. It's been about 6 years since I was last up for it. This year my Weegie brother in law will be in the auld man's squad. If he makes it to the last Hall I'll be impressed...

 

For those of you who are guizing or going to a hall, I hope you have a great night.

 

For those of you who aren't, I hope there's something good on the telly!

 

 

Grip his pilly!

[Scoobysue]

There are pics on the BBC website - in news, then Scotland, about 1/2 way down the page. Sorry, no link 'cos pictures never link right.

 

Am looking forward to seeing it all this evening if my plans manage to become un-pear-shaped.

[Twerto]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6313537.stm

[Hollian]

Quote fae Ally 'Grip his pilly!' (I'm no quite gotten to grips wi how to quote folk!)

Must be a bloke thing about UHA. I even heard elderly members of my family quoting 'grip his pilly' at the procession tonight. They were not in the procession and where there without drams.

This is the first procession I have seen since I was approx 15yrs old, where I have not been rushing to get to a hall for 8.45. I had the chance to watch the whole procession and go into park afterwards to watch the galley burn, I have to say I really enjoyed the whole thing.

My better half was is in jarl squad last year, and while it was a busy and enjoyable year, I felt like I needed a year off - and I'm only the wife!

[Hollian]

Meant to add some comments about the suit this year. The good old Shetland rumour mill (spit) has been doing the rounds that the skins are from bears, but I hear they are actually from deer instead. I think a better choice than bear. Overall I like the outfit, I'm heard the head gear is heavy, they needed a counter weight in the back? I think the shields look good, the design is simple, yet effective, good use of fire hoses! Not sure about the boots, it is so hard for any squad to get them right, should they have trousers ( last year were very cosy!), or go bare legged? If you go bare legged you don't want to end up looking as if you are wearing uggs!. The blue is a good contrast against the cold january skys!

What did you think of the all colour programme? The page titled 'Members of the Guizer Jarl's squad 2007' - did it look superimposed to anyone else?

Great to see the whole programme in colour!