Victoria Square tree is star of the show..

THE beautiful Christmas tree at Victoria Square in Belfast shone bright after the big switch-on last night.

It took 25 hours of careful work to secure the structure and ensure every light bulb has been checked on the 18-metre creation.

And this year the tree is a vital link to helping children in crisis. For Victoria Square, Santa and his elves have joined forces with the NSPCC’S Light Up Christmas campaign to support Childline fundraising.

During the 25 hours it took to complete the tree, the NSPCC estimate around 3,600 worried, frightened or neglected children would have attempted to contact them by phone or online.

An incredible 2,700 will have got through to a counsellor but around 900 of the calls would have ended before the children explained why they were calling.

So the NSPCC is working hard to raise funds so volunteers and staff are available to answer EVERY call from EVERY child.

And Santa has been doing his bit. Last night with exactly 45 days to Christmas, he flicked the switch and led 175 children in the festive parade as thousands flocked to see the 71,000 fairy lights and 217 mini trees.