Trafalgar Sq tree seems to be pining for fjords
Social media trolls mock ‘anaemic’ gift from Norway ... but experts say 79ft giant just needs sprucing up
IT’S enough to make a willow weep, and a sycamore ... well, sick.
Ever since 1947, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree has marked the start of the festive season, bringing peace, joy and happiness to all mankind. This year however, it’s gone a little wrong.
The traditional spruce, a gift to the British people from Norway for the country’s support during the Second World War, has attracted rather less joy – and all too much derision.
This week the tree was erected in central London as normal, after an ar- duous journey from Oslo – only to attract scorn from passers-by.
On social media critics expressed their dismay, leaving them pining for a spruced-up alternative.
Calum Mulligan, a parliamentary adviser, posted on Twitter that “the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square [is the] most anaemic tree possible”.
He added: “Not sure what we did to upset the Norwegians, but they seem to have saved their best and bushiest trees for everyone else.” Another complainant posted: “If it were anymore sparse I’d call it a twig,” while a third said: “You look a bit thin.”
The tree, which has its own Twitter account run by Westminster Council, hit back: “Hmph! I thought I’d left the trolls behind in Norway! Yours, Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree.”
Why the tree appears so unhealthy is not entirely clear. But yesterday Westminster council defended the choice.
A spokesman said the tree appeared less bushy because at 79ft high, it was taller than usual due to its age. The first tree given by Norway stood at just 48ft, two thirds the height.
This year’s tree was selected for its proximity to the road close to a lake named Trollvann, Norwegian for “the water of the Trolls” just outside Oslo.
The spokesman added: “It’s not sparse, it’s an 80ft tree – but everyone expects it to be full of branches. They don’t look like trees in your house that are only about 6ft. They have to get a tree that’s sturdy, that’s going to be tall enough. It has to be near a road, because you can’t pull a tree right from the centre of the forest.”
When the tree was felled in November, British and Norwegian dignitaries attended a ceremony at which children sang carols. A second ceremony takes place today when the Christmas lights are switched on by the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo.