Trafalgar Square's Norway Christmas tree tradition 'under threat'

Evening Standard

This year’s Trafalgar Square Christmas tree may be the last to be sent from Norway, reports have claimed. The City of Oslo has sent a tree to London every year as a token of gratitude for British support for Norway during the Second World War.

Transcript

00:00 It's a festive tradition dating back to the 1940s and a sign of friendship between

00:06 two nations.

00:08 So why is the iconic Trafalgar Christmas tree under threat?

00:12 The towering Christmas tree sent from Oslo every December has become a symbol of festive

00:18 cheer for Londoners.

00:19 But the tradition that dates back to 1947 may be coming to an end this year.

00:26 The city of Oslo has sent a tree to London every year as a token of gratitude for British

00:31 support for Norway during the Second World War.

00:34 But concerns over the environmental impact of the tradition may put an end to it.

00:39 A source at this year's spelling ceremony said that it's 50/50 whether another one will

00:45 be given next year.

00:47 The new Oslo City Council sees the tradition as outdated and environmentally unfriendly.

00:52 Fortunately, this year is proceeding as usual.

00:56 The tree will be decorated in a traditional Norwegian fashion ahead of the official light

01:01 ceremony on 7th December.

01:04 So get down on Trafalgar Square and take a look this Christmas.

01:08 It may be your last chance.

01:09 (gentle music)

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