Shetland Arts is looking forward to Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa day on Tuesday 27 January.

We have a range of activity happening in Mareel on the day and in the lead up.

Mareel will be open every day during the Up Helly Aa week, including on Monday 26 January.


Shetland Arts and Crafts Association: Up Helly Aa Craft Fair

► Sunday 25 January & Monday 26 January | 11am - 5pm

Join the Shetland Arts & Crafts Association at Mareel for their annual Up Helly Aa Craft Fair, featuring a range of local artists and makers.

You can find out more about the Association on their website and on Facebook.

Free entry.


Fiery Sessions

► Tuesday 27 January | 11am & 1:30pm

Fiery Sessions returns to Mareel for 2026!

The popular annual concert will, as usual, showcase some of Shetland's finest musical talent on Lerwick's Up Helly Aa day and include a visit from the Junior Jarl Squad (at the 1:30pm performance).

Hosted by the ever-entertaining Andy Kain, this is an event not to be missed!

Lineup includes: Arvra, The Jam Jar, The Peter Wood Band and Girsie and the Loose Ends.

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Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story

► Monday 26 January - Sunday 1 February | Various times

We're delighted to finally be bringing Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story to the big screen!

When the film was first released for streaming, we had lots of questions as to whether we would be screening it in Mareel's cinema. The time has come where we can now say YES - we are!

Filmed against gorgeous Shetlands scenery, this really lovely documentary tells the story of the extraordinary bond between a wild otter and her human rescuer.

When a half-starved otter washes up on his jetty in Shetland, Billy Mail, his wife Susan, and their devoted sheepdog Jade find themselves with a unique new member of their family. They know the otter, now named Molly, must be desperate to approach them, and Billy begins feeding her, aiming to bring her back to full health so she can go it alone. In caring for Molly, Billy finds a new sense of purpose, getting the chance to take on a paternal role for the first time. Featuring an adorable turn from its furry star, Billy & Molly is a powerful, emotional story about healing and connection.

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Sights and Sounds of Shetland

► Tuesday 27 January | 3:30pm

Step back in time and take a journey through Shetland's past with exclusive archived film footage on the big screen.

The sounds of Shetland are brought to life with Hjaltibonhoga, Shetland's fiddlers of the Royal Military Tattoo. Along with archive film footage and photography this screening will give you a taste of Shetland's cultural identity; from different musical influences, wedding celebrations and reels in the kitchen to the steps taken to keep traditions alive.

Our specially commissioned film, edited from the Shetland Film Archives, also includes a glimpse into everyday life in Shetland from the 1950s - 1970s. Immerse yourself in Shetland's years gone by with footage on traditional crofting, knitting, fishing, schooling, transport, festivities and leisure activities.

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Evening Venue for Up Helly Aa

► Tuesday 27 January | 9pm

The cafe will be closing to the public at an earlier time of 3pm with the rest of the building then closing at 5pm, as preparations begin for our building to be used a hall.

Our doors will re-open for ticket holders at 9pm (please note - we do not sell the tickets for this event).

Mareel will re-open to the public at 12pm on Wednesday 28 January.


Family Films

► Wednesday 28 January

Looking for something to do with the bairns on their day off school? Take a trip to the cinema!

The day after Up Helly Aa, we're screening The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants at 1pm and How to Train Your Dragon (2010) at 1:30pm.

Enjoy our off-peak prices for these screenings - tickets for everyone are £6.05 (including 10% booking fee).

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