Welcome to the Johnsmas Foy

Each year Shetland's Johnsmas Foy has a different central theme.  In 2009 we looked at the Viking world, the result of an extraordinary period of colonisation that influenced life around the North Atlantic and North Sea for centuries.  Shetland, was at the heart of it and the islands' Norse flavour is unmistakeable everywhere you go.

Vikings on Parade While many of the Foy's numerous events centred around the Viking theme, these were also complemented by a range of other midsummer events taking place throughout all regions of Shetland. 

Read a review of the 2009 events

Compared to olden days however, today's Johnsmas Foy is a much wider celebration of all things connected to and with Shetland's unique culture and heritage. Never-the-less the festival still maintains close links to, and synergy with, its original maritime roots, together with promoting a range of entertaining and informative events aimed at all age groups throughout the community and especially of course the many visitors to our islands. 

Please note that the Johnsmas Foy will not take place in 2010 and 2011.  Instead, Shetland is proud to host Shetland Hamefarin 14-26 June 2010 and The Tall Ships Races 2011 21-24 July 2011.

Flavour of Shetland, held annually on Lerwick's Victoria Pier will take place from 17-20 June 2010 as part of the Shetland Hamefarin celebrations.