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The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has been an annual gift to the people of London by the city of Oslo each year since 1947 as a token of gratitude for British support of Norway during the Second World War. The tree has provided a central focus for the Trafalgar Square traditional carol-singing programme, performed by different groups raising money for voluntary and 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. The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is typically a 50- to 60 year old Norwegian spruce, generally over 20 metres tall. The tree is cut in late November during a ceremony attended by the British Ambassador to Norway, Mayor of Oslo, and Lord Mayor of Westminster. After the tree is cut it is shipped to Great Britain by sea, typically to the port of Hull, where it is then loaded on to a flat bed trailer and transported by road to the square. The Trafalgar Square tree is decorated in a traditional Norwegian style and adorned with 500 white lights. In 2008, the tree utilised low-wattage halogen bulbs which used 15 amps (3.5 kW) of power. As of 2011, the lighting is provided by high-tech LED lights, using considerably less power, fed by a hydrogen fuel cell. 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. This is the seventh year that Beck & Pollitzer have been chosen to perform the road transportation and erection tasks. The tree lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square takes place on the first Thursday in December and is attended by thousands of people. The ceremony, led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, includes a band and choir followed by the lighting of the tree with the flick of a switch. Traditionally, the tree provides a focal point for Christmas carolling groups. For many in London, the tree and the accompanying carolling signals the countdown to Christmas. Transported and Erected By Beck & Pollitzer Shot By Gareth Bowler Music By Susan Lambert Trafalgar Square Info Site Official Trafalgar Square Site
