Goturm leads men, princes and princesses

The Norwick Up-Helly-A’ on Saturday was led this year by Leslie Stickle, who chose to portray the Viking figure of Goturm.

The Guizer Jarl and his 14 Vikings, along with four peerie Vikings and five princesses, started the day at the galley shed where a crowd of local folk were waiting to see them.

The squad members looked resplendent in hunter green kirtles with sheepskins and rope belts. They wore green helmets with metal trim which were completed with wings. The princesses wore cream dresses trimmed with green and beautiful green velvet cloaks.

At the shed they took out the galley Da Greff for photos with the folk who were there to meet them and then headed to Burrafirth beach for squad photos.

The squad then went to the Baltasound Hotel for a superb lunch served in the refurbished lounge bar, from where they visited Nordalea Care Centre to the delight of the residents and staff. They had a quick stop along the Final Checkout before they made some home visits in Norwick.

The weather stayed perfect for the procession of 136 guizers which moved off from the Floggie road at 7.30pm. After the burning at the Norwick beach they headed to the Haroldswick Hall where the 13 squads each produced some amusing acts. The evening was rounded off with fantastic music from Leeshin’ At which had everyone dancing until the early hours.

Desley Stickle