
Thousands of marauders stormed the usually quiet streets of the Shetland Isles, which were lit up by Viking flames this evening.

The armed militia and their longships would have been a terrifying sight centuries ago, which would have meant certain death for hundreds of residents.

But it was a source of entertainment for the Shetland Islands residents today, who welcomed the invasion of an annual festival celebrating the ancient Scandavian culture.

Hundreds of history enthusiasts braved the freezing conditions to don their armour and parade around Lerwick, Shetland, for Up Helly Aa 2017.

Members of the Jarl Squad dressed in Viking costumes carry flaming torches during the Up Helly Aa Viking festival in Lerwick

Hundreds of marauders lit up the streets during impressive scenes as part of the festival on the Shetland Isles this evening

The outfits were incredibly authentic as the enthusiasts sported furs and chainmail for the celebration of Viking culture

Members of the Jarl Squad set fire to their ornate Viking longship, which burns brightly as it sails on the sea

Before the ship is burned, the hundreds of people enjoying the festivities surround it with their torches this evening

Hundreds of people, all in full army, authentic furs and holding brightly-lit torches socialise and cheer around the large ship

What was once a great example of artistry and craftmanship just moments ago soon turns into a giant fireball as the flames quickly take hold of the wooden ship

The Jarl squad light their torches from fuel burning on the ground as they prepare for a procession along the streets before gathering around the ship and burning it

The impressive sight may look like the destruction of the authentic equipment enthusiasts have worked hard to create, but the ritual would have been an important part of Viking culture centuries ago

While the clothes and armour are decorative and ornate, it would be a terrifying sight for those taking a quiet walk on the Shetland Isles who were not aware of the festival in town

The huge crowd of around 1,000 was predominantly made up of men but featured guizers - the correct name for those in costume - of all ages.

The torch-lit procession is led by the Guizer Jarl, or chief guizer - 37-year-old Lyall Gair - and culminates in a replica longboat being set alight.

Hundreds of people wearing winged helmets, sheepskins and carrying axes and shields march through the streets of the town to recreate its ancient Viking past, in a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.

Work begins at the end of October to ensure everything is ready for the celebrations, which often continue until 8am the following day - a public holiday on the island.

The huge crowd of around 1,000 was predominantly made up of men but featured guizers - the correct name for those in costume - of all ages

The torch-lit procession is led by the Guizer Jarl, or chief guizer - 37-year-old Lyall Gair - and culminates in a replica longboat (pictured) being set alight

Hundreds of people wearing winged helmets, sheepskins and carrying axes and shields march through the streets of the town to recreate its ancient Viking past, in a tradition that dates back to the 19th century

Work begins at the end of October to ensure everything is ready for the celebrations, which often continue until 8am the following day - a public holiday on the island

The Guizer Jarl Lyle Gair and his Jarl squad pose for a group picture at Bressay Ferry Terminal during the annual Up Helly Aa festival on January 31, 2017 in Lerwick, Scotland

The leader of the Jarl squad, Lyle Gair, bellows out some instructions to the members who are on board the Longboat with him

They disembarked the vessel before starting a march through the streets of Lerwick, led by 37-year-old Mr Gair. Work begins at the end of October to ensure everything is ready for the celebrations, which often continue until 8am the following day

More guizers, including one elderly gentleman, get their voices warmed up as they prepare for some breakfast before the morning's activities

They sat down for some food before the morning's festivities - although the cooking equipment pictured looked far from authentic

The refreshments did not exactly hark back to the viking era, with several guizers seen tucking into bacon sandwiches. The festival stems from the 1870s when a group of local men wanted to put new ideas into Shetland's Christmas celebrations

They were also drinking coffee from plastic cups - which is not exactly how their Scandavian ancestors would consumed their drinks. Those taking part in the festival spend the night visiting a host of celebrations in halls around Lerwick

Volunteers are responsible for the building of the galley boat and the production of more than 1,000 torches.

Those taking part in the festival spend the night visiting a host of celebrations in halls around Lerwick and the party was sure to have been aided this year with a special edition gin and cider distilled for the festival.

Shetland and neighbouring Orkney were ruled by the Norse for about 500 years until they became part of Scotland in 1468.

The event stems from the 1870s when a group of young local men wanted to put new ideas into Shetland’s Christmas celebrations.

They sat down for some food before the morning's festivities - although the refreshments cooking equipment pictured looked far from authentic.

Up Helly Aa always takes place on the last Tuesday in January and culminates in a torchlit procession and the burning of a galley.

The festival celebrations carry on throughout the night and the next day, lucky for some, is a national holiday

While some military re-enactments seem reserved for the more mature, young people on the island get fully involved in the annual event

Mr Gair in full voices as he leads a huge procession of viking guizers down the road. He is flanked by two youngsters who are carrying flags

In traditional helmets that cover their faces almost entirely in combination with their beards, cut a menacing shape as they stride through the town with fake axes. Shetland and neighbouring Orkney were ruled by the Norse for about 500 until 1468

Despite the fierce enthusiasm shown by most participants, this youngster was clearly a little less excited by the morning's proceedings