January to April
May to June
Shetland Event Dates 2012
Shetland’s outstanding musical heritage needs no introduction as it draws people back to the islands again and again and forms the centrepiece of a wide range of celebrations such as the marking of the end of the long winter nights with the world famous fire festival of Up Helly Aa or a celebration of the long summer nights with the annual Johnsmas Foy.
Highlights include:
Up Helly Aa
Shetland's most famous festival celebrated the influence of the Vikings on the islands. Celebrated on the last Tuesday of January every year, Up Helly Aa consists of a torchlit procession through Lerwick, after which a Viking longship is burned. This is followed by a night of dancing and festivities in local halls throughout Shetland.
Shetland Folk Festival
The Shetland Folk Festival celebrates its 30th year in style - it is one of the most critically acclaimed folk festivals in Scotland (it is number 8 in the Top 40 Visitors Attractions in Scotland in the Rough Guide to Scotland.) The unofficial opening is our overnight ferries somewhere in the middle of the North Sea!
Bergen - Shetland Races
For over 20 years, there has been an ocean race between Bergen in Western Norway and Lerwick, capital of the Shetland Islands. One of the most challenging and spectacular events of the North Sea, the Bergen - Shetland race is an excellent way to explore two amazing destinations.
Up Helly Aa
31st January 2012
Around 800 guizers, led by the Jarl and his squad, take part in a spectacular torchlit procession around the streets of Lerwick, before setting alight a purpose-built Viking galley.
Shetland Folk Festival
3rd – 6th May 2012
Enjoy the 32nd Shetland Folk Festival – one of Scotland’s most critically acclaimed folk festivals with performers and visitors from across the globe. The festival is on-profit, volunteer driven and presents concerts throughout the islands. Begin the fun on board the ferry during the unofficial opening in the middle of the North Sea.
www.shetlandfolkfestival.com
Shetland Classic Motor Show
31st May - 5th June 2012
One of Scotland’s premier motoring events including guided tours around the islands. Hundreds of cars, motorcycles, bicycles plus commercial vehicles, stationary vehicles, models etc. For travel and accommodation arrangements: email shetlandcms@aol.com or telephone 07876 164777 for information.
Olympic Torch Relay
10th June 2012
The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will arrive in Shetland, its most northerly stop on its journey around the UK. On this special day spectators can see the Olympic flame being carried by local Torchbearers and take part in a range of activities and events to celebrate its visit and the London 2012 Olympic Games, which start on 27th July 2012. Further information on this event will be available in early 2012.
Bergen – Shetland Races
20th – 24th June 2012
An annual North Sea yachting challenge, taking place between Bergen in Norway and Lerwick in Shetland.
Simmer Dim Rally
20th – 24th June 2012
This year the Simmer Dim Rally celebrates its 30th anniversary. The annual motorcycle rally is held in the local village of Vidlin over three days to celebrate Midsummer.
Shetland Nature Festival
7th – 15th July 2012
The Shetland Nature Festival, now in its fifth year, celebrates Shetland’s abundance of wildlife, geology and stunning scenery. The Festival includes a series of events throughout Shetland including guided tours, talks and family fun days. From seabirds and plants to geology and marine mammals, the Festival has something for everyone.
www.shetlandnaturefestival.co.uk
Fiddle Frenzy
5th – 12th August 2012
Fiddle Frenzy is a celebration of the music and musicians that have made Shetland one of the world’s most acclaimed fiddle playing regions. More than just a fiddle school, it also offers workshops in guitar accompaniment, knitting, drawing & painting and writing, with showcase concerts every night from some of our best known musicians.
www.shetlandfiddlefrenzy.com
Screenplay
31st August – 9th September 2012
Shetland’s annual Film Festival is curated by Linda Ruth Williams and Mark Kermode. It features a feast of film screenings, lectures and panel discussions involving national and international film industry professionals and film academics. Screenplay also has a strong local flavour, provided by the work of local film makers of all ages and an increased commitment to outreach throughout the islands.
www.shetlandarts.org
Wordplay
8rd – 9th September 2012
Shetland’s annual book festival has been running since 2001. Welcoming writers of local, national and international renown, Wordplay features a mix of readings, writing workshops, children’s theatre events and book signings offering a unique opportunity for readers and writers to meet with their favourite authors, hear them read their work and answer questions.
www.shetlandarts.org
Shetland Blues Festival
14th – 16th September 2012
The UK’s most northerly blues festival brings the crème da la crème of British Blues to Shetland, with gigs running all over the isles. This acoustic and electric blues event is becoming one of the best festivals in the Northern Isles.
www.shetlandblues.info
Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival
11th – 15th October 2012
The 25th annual Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival brings together the best of traditional music from Shetland, Scotland, Ireland, England and beyond for a weekend of concerts and dancing.
Shetland Food Festival
2nd – 12th November 2012
Shetland produces some wonderful food: exceptional lamb, fine beef, superbly fresh seafood and some more unusual specialities such as seawater oatcakes, Shetland black potatoes and moreish fudge. We celebrate Shetland’s fine bounty during the Shetland Food Festival, so why not come and taste the difference.
www.shetlandfoodfestival.co.uk
These are just a flavour of the many events taking place all year round in Shetland. Whether it's impromptu music sessions in pubs, pipe band parades through the streets, summer regattas or book festivals, you will be sure to find an occasion to enrich your time in the islands.
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