The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a Christmas tree given to the people of London by the city of Oslo each year since 1947. The tree is prominently displayed in Trafalgar Square from the beginning of December until 6 January.
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a Christmas tree given to the people of London by the city of Oslo each year since 1947. The tree is prominently displayed in Trafalgar Square from the beginning of December until 6 January.
A Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been an annual gift to the people of Britain from Norway as a token of gratitude for British support to Norway during the Second World War since 1942; it was in 1942 when the first tree was cut down by a Norwegian resistance fighter called Mons Urangsvåg during a raid on Hisøy, an island off the west coast of Norway between Bergen and Haugesund. The tree was then transported to England, where the Norwegian king, Haakon VII, was in exile, and given to him. A new tree has since grown from the original stump. [1]
The tree has provided a central focus for the Trafalgar Square traditional carol-singing programme, performed by different groups raising money for voluntary or charitable organisations.
The tree remains until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is taken down for recycling. The tree is chipped and composted, to make mulch. [2]
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is typically a 50- to 60-year-old Norway spruce, generally over 20 metres tall. [2] The tree is cut in Norway some time in November during a ceremony attended by the British Ambassador to Norway, Mayor of Oslo, and Lord Mayor of Westminster. [2] After the tree is cut, it is shipped to the UK by boat across the sea. [2] At one time[ when? ] it was shipped to Felixstowe free of charge by a cargo ship of the Fred Olsen Line. [3] As of at least 2007, the tree was shipped across the North Sea to Immingham by DFDS Tor Line. [4] As of 2018, it has been the responsibility of Radius Group, to transport, guard and erect the tree in Trafalgar Square.[ citation needed ]
The Trafalgar Square tree is decorated in a traditional Norwegian style and adorned with 500 white lights. [5] In 2008, the tree utilised low-wattage halogen bulbs which used 3.5 kW of power. [5]
At the base of the tree stands a plaque, bearing the words:
This tree is given by the city of Oslo as a token of Norwegian gratitude to the people of London for their assistance during the years 1940-45.
A tree has been given annually since 1947.
The tree lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square takes place on the first Thursday in December and is attended by thousands of people. [4] The ceremony, led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, includes a band and choir followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights. [4]
Traditionally, the tree provides a focal point for Christmas carolling groups. [3] For many in London, the tree and the accompanying carolling signals the countdown to Christmas. [2]
Since 2009, the Poetry Society has commissioned new poems annually for display on banners around the base of the tree. In 2010, schoolchildren also performed one of the poems at the lighting-up ceremony. [6]
A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer, such as a spruce, pine or fir, or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas.
Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, established in the early 19th century around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. The square's name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, the British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar.
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Alfhild Hovdan was a Norwegian journalist, and later tourist manager for the city of Oslo for more than forty years. She is known for initiating the tradition of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, a present from the city of Oslo to the people of London, in recognition of their assistance during World War II.
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The Downing Street Christmas tree is the Christmas tree placed on Downing Street, outside 10 Downing Street, which is the official office and residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It arrives near the end of November and is lit in early December for a live BBC News programme.
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