Shetland Events
There are numerous annual festivals and events in Shetland every year, with something to satisfy almost every taste.
Amongst the first of the annual events is the Lerwick Up Helly Aa, the largest of the islands' fire festivals, which takes place on the last Tuesday of January, then the world-famous Shetland Folk Festival, offering an eclectic international programme, runs for four days around the beginning of May. A month or so later - around midsummer - we have the Bergen-Shetland Races.
The first ever Shetland Jazz Festival is taking place in June, followed by the Shetland Nature Festival in July - a great opportunity to learn about our wildlife. Fiddle Frenzy takes place in August and is a great introduction to our traditional music and arts and crafts. Later in the year, during September, we have the Shetland Blues Festival and another three important musical events are the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival and Peerie Willie Guitar Festival in October and the Thomas Fraser Memorial Festival in November. Also in October is the new Shetland Wool Week and our popular Christmas Craft Fair and Food Festival will combine this year and take place in November.
Outstanding musicianship is not reserved for the Shetland Folk Festival, Flavour of Shetland and the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival. Great playing can be heard at the many regular musical events and sessions on the islands. Our award-winning 'Simmer n' Sessions' are a chance to enjoy Shetland's music in the relaxed setting of a local pub. There's no easier way to experience the excitement and passion that is at the heart of Shetland's musical culture.
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