Women part of ‘jarl squad’ for first time at annual Shetland fire festival
This year’s procession marks the first where women have been able to participate in the procession.
An annual fire festival in Shetland had women involved in its “jarl squad” for the first time.
Lerwick Up Helly Aa is held on the last Tuesday of January, and this year’s event saw men and women leading the torchlight procession.
It was previously only men who were allowed to lead the procession, but Up Helly Aa officials changed the rule in 2022.
Jenna Moar was one of the first female participants in this year’s jarl squad.
The 16-year-old is the daughter of Richard Moar, the chief jarl.
The organisation is run by a voluntary committee of 17 members, each selected by the guizers – or costumed participants – with one new member elected each year.
The members don Viking-style clothing as more than 1,000 torches are lit on the day.