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Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

by Anon

Following the end of World War II, the people of Norway wished to signify their friendship with Britain and their thanks for protecting King Haakon VII in exile. So, since 1946, they have donated one of their finest specimens of Norwegian Spruce to Britain to become the centrepiece of the Christmas celebrations in Trafalgar Square, London.

Usually on the first Thursday in December, the Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo attend a "lighting up" ceremony of 500 or so pure white lights, the traditional way of illuminating a tree in Norway. The lights are usually lit from noon until midnight each day until 6th January, when they will be dismantled and the tree re-cycled.

The ceremony is often graced by the presence of a member of the Norwegian Royal Family, as an additional sign of the gratitude the Norwegians feel towards Britain for their efforts during the German occupation and their subsequent liberation.

In 2006, the lighting-up ceremony was performed by HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit in the company of HRH Crown Prince Haakon. The Choir of the nearby St Martin-in-the-Fields is often called upon to sing carols, and they have been joined on several occasions by the Solvguttene, the renowned Norwegian boys choir (The Boys of Silver).

The tree itself is usually from a forest close to Oslo and is approximately 70 feet (21 metres) high. In recent years it has been shipped from Oslo to Immingham and then transported by road to London. In London, its base is shaped and it is winched into place and fitted into a hole some 4-5 feet deep. It is then decorated with the lights.

The author has requested that his identity be kept private

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