In Pictures: Vikings of all ages push the burning boat out for Up Helly Aa

Axes are polished, helmets and sheepskins are donned as visitors from around the world help Shetland celebrate its Nordic history.

Published Jan 30, 2018

Last updated Jan 30, 2018

The Viking longship on fire during the Up Helly Aa Viking festival in Lerwick (Jane Barlow/PA)

The annual Viking invasion of Shetland has started ahead of the fiery Up Helly Aa festival which celebrates the history of the island’s former Norse rulers.

Lerwick’s streets are teeming with hordes of raiders for the annual revelry which will culminate with the traditional torchlight procession and burning of a Viking ship.

A bin for baby Harry, with his father Daniel Brazier, is a reminder that pillaging can be messy work (Jane Barlow/PA) — A bib for baby Harry, with his father Daniel Brazier, is a reminder that revelry can be messy work (Jane Barlow/PA)

Bearded "warriors" were all smiles on the streets of Lerwick (Jane Barlow/PA) — Bearded “warriors” were all smiles on the streets of Lerwick (Jane Barlow/PA)

Odin Geddes, four. takes a lick of his axe (Jane Barlow/PA)

The Jarl Squad limbering up for Up Helly Aa (Jane Barlow/PA)

Stewart Jamieson, the Guizer Jarl, leads members of the Jarl Squad through the streets in Lerwick (Jane Barlow/PA)

Members of the Jarl Squad acknowledge the applause of the crowd (Jane Barlow/PA)

The torches came out as nightfall descended (Jane Barlow/PA)

The Viking longship on fire (Jane Barlow/PA)

A lone viking looks deep into the fire (Jane Barlow/PA)