Trafalgar Square Christmas tree on its way to London

Trafalgar Square’s famous Christmas tree has been cut down in its native land and is on its way to London.

Every year the city of Oslo donates a Christmas tree to London and it is proudly displayed in the city centre.

The tree is a git from the people of Norway as a thank you for the United Kingdom’s support in the Second World War.

This 2021 tree was cut down during a traditional ceremony on Tuesday, November 16 in a forest outside the Norwegian capital.

For the first time in two years due to the pandemic, Londoners and tourists alike will be able to celebrate the tree being lit up on December 2 at 6 pm.

The Christmas light ceremony will include speeches from the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo.

There will also be performances from the Salvation Army, the Poetry Society and the St Martin-in-the-Fields Choir as well as a reading from young ambassadors from Westminster Befriend a Family.

Lord Mayor of Westminster councillor Andrew Smith cut down the tree with help from the Mayor of Oslo Marianne Borgen and school children from Manglerud School and Ellingsrudåsen School.

The 80-year-old tree is 24 metres high and when it arrives in London it will be decorated in a traditional Norwegian style.

The Lord Mayor Of Westminster councillor Andrew Smith said “I want to thank our friends in Oslo for their gift of this Christmas Tree and the continuation of this long-held, collaborative tradition which represents history, friendship and hope.

“It’s a huge privilege to welcome the tree back to Trafalgar Square, and I look forward to hosting a brilliant tree lighting ceremony that’s back with a bang, having had a year off due to Covid-19.

“I hope this Christmas Tree will bring visitors back to our vibrant city and will be something people can visit and enjoy in the lead up to the festive period.”