The crowd roared as the streets were plunged into darkness last night, moments before a massive red glow from hundreds of torches illuminated the night sky in Lerwick.
Ivor Cluness’ Jarl Squad flanked the galley as it wound its way towards the burning site with the man himself stood inside.
Millions of bright orange torch sparks swirled up into the air and the heat from the fire dispelled any memories of the rain that drenched the morning parade.
Almost 900 flaming torches lit up the streets around the King George V playing field in place of the normal street lights, which were went out just before 7.15pm.
Almost 1,000 guizers ranked into 47 squads and dressed up as monks, minions and dancers marched along the route to the burning site.
Then, when the bugle gave the signal, the first torches were thrown onto the Congo Warrior galley which became a huge, crackling bonfire within seconds.
Flames began to quickly destroy months of carefully planned work and another loud cheer went up when the dragon’s head crumpled into the fire.
And with the Congo Warrior well on its way to Valhalla, the Viking heaven, the man of the hour spoke of the unbreakable “spirit of Up Helly Aa.”
“Jubilation is not even the right word to describe the day, it has been unbelievable,” said Mr Cluness.
“We were worried that my daughter Cheryl would not make it back to Lerwick from Aberdeen after her exam on Monday but she did and it has been great to have all my family around me.
“You might have thought the weather would have had an affect but nothing can dampen the spirit of Up Helly Aa, it lives through a bit if wind and rain.”
And his eldest son Russell, a rank leader in the Jarl Squad, said he was “absolutely delighted” with how the day had gone.