Global audience for Up-Helly-A’

A worldwide audience will again be able to watch tomorrow’s Up-Helly-A’ procession and burning via a live webcast.

Promote Shetland will be filming the event and broadcasting it via its 60 North internet TV platform, based in Mareel.

Several cameras will focus on the Lower Hillhead, King Harald Street and the George V playing fields. For those interested in seeing what is going on “behind the scenes” a dedicated camera will show the 60 North TV studio and a new camera to view the Bill has been installed at the Market Cross.

The images will be broadcast to a worldwide audience. Since Promote Shetland’s first webcast in 2010, attracting several hundred viewers, it has grown in popularity with around 12,000 viewers last year.

Andy Steven of Promote Shetland said this year’s project was the biggest challenge yet.

“Up-Helly-A’ is a real community event and we try to improve the online experience year-on-year. Based on viewer feedback it’s clear that is welcomed around the world by the Shetland diaspora and those who are just plain curious.

“The weather has always been a talking point for the event but after 2013’s experience and the recent storms we are as prepared as we can be.”

You can watch the procession and burning at uphellyaa.com from 7pm tomorrow.