BLUEMOMENT

I have just read the review and pictures.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picture ... lands.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks like a spectacular event, any one been?

Never been, but I understand that it's very much an event organised by the locals for the locals rather than a tourist thing, so I think I might feel a bit more comfortable being there to see it either following a direct invitation or through coincidentally happening to be there - working, say.

Remind me to tell you about Up Helly Aa when next we meet Jim. It's not a tale I can really do justice on open forum.

You're right Dave that it is a local affair and something they take seriously. You only have to look at the quality of the kit they wear. The boat they burn is the real thing too, not a cheap mock-up.

Thanks Dave, I will take you up on that.

I think the thing to do is befriend a local. Pals of ours did just that during the fiddle festival (part of their Summer cruise) and ended up with a choice of hospitality for the firey bit.

I am going to an Up Helly Aa party tonight, every year the hosts make a cardboard wooden longboat and burn it in their garden, everybody has a flaming torch to chuck into the boat. Braw fun.

Hopefully winna be too drunk like i was last year!