A huge Christmas tree has been put up in a popular shopping spot in London - leaving shoppers baffled.
The massive 30ft tree was spotted on Mare Street in Hackney, east London despite December 25 being nearly three months away.
The tree, put up just metres away from a McDonald's and a Marks & Spencer, boasts different colour tinsel and baubles, and has a large silver star at the top.
Some confused shoppers have taken to social media to question why the tree has been put up so early.
One said: "Unbelievable scenes in the middle of Hackney. It’s September. #Christmas."
Another said: "Quick question…is 3 months too early for putting up a Christmas tree in Hackney Central? I think so! Why??"
A third added: "So part of Mare Street, Hackney is in full on Christmas mode and quite frankly is freaking me out."
While some speculated on social media that the tree had been put up by Hackney Council, Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville, revealed the real reason.
He said: "It’s Christmas Ad shoot for a well-known business."
As well as the Christmas tree, a red sleigh and reindeer have also been put up, as well as a sign which says 'North Pole'. Christmas stalls were also erected on Mare Street.
Some social media users revealed filming had begun for the Christmas advert on Wednesday, although it is unclear which business was behind the shoot.
The news comes after supermarket customers spotted chains had been getting into the festive spirit early this year, with shoppers spotting festive chocolates and treats on sale as early as August.
Even as the UK reached record high temperatures in heat waves this year, tubs of Roses and Quality Street were spotted out on display in a number of Tesco stores across the country.
The majority of Tesco shoppers weren’t too impressed with the early arrival of Christmas, however, with one disgruntled customer writing: “Tesco, no ice in stock, but don’t worry we have your Christmas chocolates.
“A fat lot of good that will do me while I’m sat on the sofa with a Solero under each a**e cheek.”
Another commented: “Tesco now has large tubs of Quality Street and Cadbury’s Roses on display if you fancy some Christmas-themed chocolate while you slowly roast to death.”
