Westminster’s Lord Mayor switches on lights for the 77th Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
The Lord Mayor of Westminster was joined by the Mayor of Oslo, Ms. Anne Lindboe, to switch on this year’s Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree lights with hundreds of excited Londoners and visitors defying the weather to be part of the annual ceremony.
The 66-foot (20 metres), 57-year-old Norwegian spruce (Picea Abies) arrived on Monday following an eleven-day journey and was decorated in the traditional Norwegian style using energy efficient lights.
The annual tradition- now in its 77th year- began in 1947 as an expression of gratitude for the support Norway received from the UK during World War II. When Norway was invaded in 1940, the King of Norway, Haakon VII, took refuge in Britain and the Norwegian government-in-exile was established in London.
As a result, the tree holds a very important symbolic meaning for the two cities and now symbolizes more than just gratitude: friendship between cities and countries, peace, and solidarity. In a world marked by instability, symbols of friendship and hope have become even more important.
This year’s tree made its nearly 1000-mile journey by sea and land after the annual tree felling ceremony in forests of Grefsenkleiva, outside Oslo on Thursday 21st November. A variety of new measures meant the Christmas tree's carbon footprint was reduced by 80%. For the first time this year, for example, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo planted a new tree in the forest. It is hoped that 60 years’ time it might be felled by a future generation and sent to Trafalgar Square.
The switching on ceremony was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Robert Rigby 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. Music was provided by the Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army Band, Royal Marines Corps of Drums, and Norwegian Silver Boys’ Choir.
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 Monday 6 January.
The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Robert Rigby said:
For many Londoners, the lighting of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree marks the unofficial start of the festive period. On a chilly December night, it was heart warming to see hundreds come to see the lights get switched on and hopefully millions more will enjoy the tree in December.
On behalf of the City of Westminster, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the people of Oslo and Norway for this gift. They have done a tremendous job as ever- the tree looks majestic.
It is an enormous privilege to play a small role in this wonderful tradition. Thank you to everyone who played their part in making this year’s ceremony so special. I’d like to encourage everyone to come and see it and celebrate this wonderful gift from the people of Norway”
The Mayor of Oslo, Ms. Anne Lindboe said:
The Christmas tree gift from Oslo to London is a tradition that symbolizes the strong bond between our cities. The gift represents gratitude, friendship, and peace, and is just as significant today as it was 77 years ago”.
Published: 6 December 2024