Lerwick's annual Up Helly Aa festival reached its traditional spectacular climax with the burning of a Viking galley in the centre of the town.

Thousands of onlookers watched as the fire festival's figurehead the Guizer Jarl paraded through the streets onboard the specially-built longboat flanked by around 900 torch-wielding guizers.

Following the procession the galley met its firey end as the guizers launched their burning lanterns onto the vessel.

Guizer Jarl John Hunter, a local lifeguard, said the emotional day had been "without doubt one of the proudest days of my life". He went on to pay tribute to his Jarl Squad and everyone else who had turned out for the event.

Following the burning, spectators and the guizer squads - dressed in a variety of outlandish fancy dress - headed off into the night to dances at various halls throughout the town. It is traditional for the squads to visit all of the halls in turn where they perform a song, dance or comedy routine.

Partying continues well into the following day. When the hangovers finally clear, thoughts will turn to preparation for next year's event.

IN DETAILS:

• Up Helly Aa celebrations start

IN PICTURES:

• UP HELLY AA