Thjodhatid

Thjodhatid is held in the valley of Herjolfsdalur on Heimaey over the first weekend of August, and it began in 1874: bad weather stopped the islanders from reaching the mainland celebrations of the thousandth anniversary of settlement, so they held their own, and have every year since apart from interruptions. Families camp in white canvas tents pitched in rows on the slopes, many of them the same tents used by the same families for generations. The weekend runs on bonfires, fireworks off the cliff, concerts, and the brekkusongur - a mass singalong on the hillside led from the stage, with the crowd holding flares.

What you'll find

• A festival since 1874 - begun when weather stopped islanders travelling.
• White tents in rows - family canvas pitched on the slopes for generations.
• A cliff bonfire and fireworks - the weekend's set pieces.
• The brekkusongur - thousands singing on the hillside with flares.

When to go

The first weekend of August, and only then. A long weekend.

What to expect

Tickets, ferries and accommodation sell out months ahead, and the crossing can be cancelled by weather even with a ticket. It is a large drinking festival and the atmosphere reflects that. Camping in Icelandic August weather is what it sounds like.

Nearby

Eldfell and the 1973 lava are above the town; Skansinn is by the harbour.