Friday 30 November 2012

Christmas in Trafalgar Square | Greater London Authority

Christmas in Trafalgar Square | Greater London Authority: "Christmas in Trafalgar Square
Christmas tree lighting ceremony
Each year since 1947, a Christmas tree has been given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II. For many Londoners the Christmas tree and carol singing in Trafalgar Square signal the countdown to Christmas.
The 2011 Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place on the evening of 1 December. Those taking part included: the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Susie Burbridge; the Governing Mayor of Oslo,  Mr Stian Berger Rosland; the Norwegian Ambassador, HE Mr Kim Traavik; St Martin-in-the-Fields choir and the Salvation Army."

The 2012 tree lighting ceremony is on Thursday 6 December, time tbc.

Carol-singing

The Christmas tree in the square provides a central focus for carol-singing in the evenings, when different groups perform Christmas carols in the square, raising funds for voluntary or charitable organisations.

The Carol-singing programme for Christmas 2012 is now fully booked. A full programme of choirs performing will appear here shortly.

About the tree

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is usually a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) over 20 metres high and 50-60 years old. It is selected from the forests surrounding Oslo with great care several months, even years, in advance. The Norwegian foresters who look after it describe it fondly as 'the queen of the forest'.
The tree is felled in November during a ceremony in which the Lord Mayor of Westminster, the British ambassador to Norway and the Mayor of Oslo participate. It is brought to the UK by sea, then completes its journey by lorry. A specialist rigging team erects it in the square using a hydraulic crane. It is decorated in traditional Norwegian fashion, with vertical strings of lights - energy-efficient light bulbs are used.

Recycling the tree

The Christmas tree remains in Trafalgar Square until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is taken down for recycling. The tree is chipped and composted, to make mulch.