Oslo Council will decide whether London should receive a Christmas tree. Norwegians felt “embarrassed” by the original one they received.
Since 1947, the Norwegian spruce was an annual gift from Oslo to Londoners. It is a gesture of appreciation for British support during World War II.
This year’s Christmas tree is attracting attention because it’s a infamous tree. Londoners complained about the tree’s 24m (78ft) appearance.
Bemused Londoners have expressed their disappointment after the famous Trafalgar Square Christmas tree arrived in London looking ‘scrawny’ and ‘half dead’.
Anne Haabeth Rygg (48) from the Conservative Party of Oslo was the opposition leader and she expressed concerns that the new tree would not be delivered in the time frame.
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’
Each year the Christmas tree, shown in 2020, is decorated with traditional Norwegian decorations, including vertical strings made of energy-efficient light bulbs.
She told The Times that she had seen photos of the tree looking unhappy and said it should not.
The Brits contributed a lot to our win and the symbol is meant to show appreciation.
The tree looked bedraggled after the long journey from Britain, but she didn’t have enough time to order a new one in time.
She suggested that London purchase a larger tree from the UK instead.
Her party controls only 25% of Oslo Council and must convict 15 others to ensure that London can receive money from Oslo.
On Wednesday, photographs showed hydraulic cranes lifting the tree near Nelson’s Column. However many people were unimpressed by the tree’s spindly appearance.
Locals took to Twitter to joke that the Norway-grown spruce was cut from a Norwegian forest last November. This is in spite of disagreements about fishing rights earlier this year and 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: “A half-dead tree says it all about global Britain!”
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 in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, after it had been roasted to crispity by the Grinch.
On Wednesday, cranes were seen putting up the tree in Trafalgar Square near Nelson’s Column. However many people who saw the photos weren’t impressed by the tree’s spindly appearance.
Locals were confused and joked that the fall of the spruce in November proved Britain had offended Norway following Brexit, as well as earlier disagreements 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.
Every year, the tree is erected using a hydraulic crane. Each year it is decorated with traditional Norwegian decorations that include vertical strings of energy-efficient light bulbs.
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 6 p.m., 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 host a ticketed event that includes live music and stage performers as well as food stalls, as well a large-screen broadcast.
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 stated: “This year, in addition to a new celebration event at Trafalgar Square,” we can also look forward to a live broadcast spectacle which will highlight our beautiful city on BBC One.
“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.”