The Lord Mayor of Westminster switched on this year’s Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree lights in front of hundreds of Londoners and visitors.
The 64-foot (19 metres) tall Norwegian spruce (Picea Abies) arrived on Monday following a ten-day journey and was decorated in the traditional Norwegian style using energy efficient lights.
This year marks the 76th anniversary since the first tree was sent to London as a thank you for Britain’s help during World Wat Two. Today, the tree also represents unity, friendship and hope for the future generations.
This year’s tree made its nearly 1000-mile journey by sea and land after the annual tree felling ceremony in the Nordmarka forests, outside Oslo on Friday 24 November.
The event was hosted by the Lord Mayor Cllr Patricia McAllister with the Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the Norwegian Ambassador to Britain, Tore Hattrem and the British Ambassador to Norway Jan Thompson all in attendance.
Known as the Queen of the Forest by many Norwegians, the annual lighting ceremony is often described as the unofficial start of the capital’s festive period. It will stay in the square until Friday 5 January.
The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Patricia McAllister said:
This year’s tree is spectacular. Everyone has done such a brilliant job from making sure it arrived safely and looked it’s best. I’d like to encourage everyone to come and see it and celebrate this wonderful gift from the people of Norway."
Published: 8 December 2023