Londoners are left stunned after the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree was delivered to London in a dismal state.
As a thank you for British support of Norway in the Second World War, the Norwegian spruce is an annual gift that Londoners receive each year from Oslo.
This year’s Christmas tree is attracting attention because it’s a infamous tree. Londoners complained about the tree’s 24m (78ft) appearance.
On Wednesday, photographs showed hydraulic cranes lifting the tree near Nelson’s Column. However many people were unimpressed by the tree’s spindly appearance.
The Norwegian spruce has been an annual gift to London from Oslo each year since 1947, but the 24metre tree (pictured) has come under fire this year for looking ‘half dead’ and ‘hungover’
On Twitter, locals were astonished that the spruce had been felled in Norway’s forest in November. They joked that this was evidence of Britain’s offence after Brexit.
One user quipped: ‘Have we gone to war with Norway?’
Another said, “We’re in trouble for Christmas this year. The tree has already predicted it.”
One third added: “Nothing says Global Britain like a Half-Dead Tree!”
And a fourth penned: ‘Good grief, has it got a hangover?’
One fifth party joked that the Norwegian Christmas tree looked like the majestic Christmas tree from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, after it had been roasted to crispity by the Grinch.
Each year the Christmas tree, shown in 2020, is decorated with traditional Norwegian decorations, including vertical strings made of energy-efficient light bulbs.
Photos taken Wednesday show cranes setting up the tree next to Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. Many passersby were not impressed however by its’spindly’ appearance.
The bewildered residents joked that Norway must have been offended by Britain after Brexit and earlier disputes about fishing rights.
And another person said, ‘Norway has not taken the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjær well’, implying the sparse tree is punishment for the Norwegian football manager’s departure from Manchester United.
Many people wondered if Norway simply sent the Christmas tree from last year again. Others agreed that it was a bit pathetic compared with its predecessors.
However, some users on Twitter defended its appearance and said it’s a beautiful tree. They also claimed that the tree will look better when it’s lit up.
The tree has been a sign of Christmas in Trafalgar Square every year since 1947, as it is gifted to London by the people of Oslo as a token of gratitude for British support for Norway during the Second World War.
Every year, the spruce is felled in a PEFC certified forest at the end of November before transported via ship and lorry to take pride of place in the capital – with this year marking the 74th year of the beloved tradition.
It is set up every year using a hydraulic crane. Then, it is decorated each year in the traditional Norwegian style with energy-efficient strings and lights.
On Thursday, at 6pm, crowds will gather to light the tree. The ceremony is attended traditionally by the Lord Mayor and Mayor of Oslo.
This year, after London Tier 2 restrictions meant that the event could not be held in London last year.
On Thursday evening at 6pm, crowds will gather around the tree’s base for the lighting ceremony. Pictured: Workers put the finishing touches to the Tree ahead of the lighting ceremony
For the first time ever, Trafalgar Square will also host a ticketed New Year event this year after London’s New Year fireworks display was scrapped due to Covid uncertainty.
Trafalgar square will serve as the venue for the ticketed celebration, which includes live music, performers on stage, food stalls, live broadcasts, and large screens.
Applicants can apply for tickets to New Year’s Eve through a lottery system or ballot.
Also, there will be a live broadcast Exclusively broadcast live on BBC One or BBC iPlayer. The show celebrates the capital and highlights the defining moments for 2021.
The programme will include a special live choir, and look ahead to the best of 2022 – including London hosting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 amongst other highlights.
London’s annual fireworks show was cancelled due to the uncertainty created by the pandemic.
Sadiq Khan explained that besides a brand new celebration in Trafalgar Square this year, there will be a spectacular live broadcast on BBC One which will show off our amazing city.
“London is just magical during winter months, and because of all the hardships we have faced as a city, we have everything to be proud as we begin to look forward to the next year.”