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Germany is gearing up for Biikebrennen, a festival to mark the end of winter.

Every year on 21 February, beacons are set ablaze and placed around the Fresian Islands on the North Sea coast of the country.

Fire is certainly a key theme to the celebrations, with bonfires (biikes) burned throughout the night to chase away the winter.

Some areas have their own traditions for Biikebrennen, with people on the islands of Fohr, Amrum and Sylt trying to take down the biikes of nearby villages before they are lit.

Music and entertainment are two traditions which tend to be adhered to in all quarters and Biikebrennen is widely considered to be one of the more lively festivals held in Germany.

The history behind the event is vague, with one story suggesting that a pirate once kidnapped the daughter of a local mayor, leading to the fire being lit in order to ward off other pirates.

Another story says it was originally part of a pagan festival to cleanse illness and help those who have fallen out to put aside their differences.

Biikebrennen takes place for one night only.

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