Newcastle's countdown to Christmas continues with lighting of huge Bergen tree at Civic Centre

The Christmas countdown will continue in Newcastle this evening with the lighting of a huge Bergen tree in the city centre.

The city's annual Christmas tradition of the lighting of the gifted tree will take place at the Civic Centre. There will be traditional Christmas carols ahead of the illumination of the tree.

And everyone is invited to come along to the event, which takes place from 5pm.

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It is the first time people have been invited to watch the switch on in person since the pandemic. Due to Covid restrictions, the last two years have been celebrated online.

For over 70 years Newcastle has received a gift of a Christmas tree from the city of Bergen in Norway to symbolise its gratitude to Newcastle for its support and friendship during the Second World War.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Karen Robinson, will be joined by the Mayor of Bergen, Linn Kristin Engø on the evening, which starts with the traditional Christmas carols and songs in the Grand Entrance of the Civic Centre at 5pm. They will then invite guests outside for the switch-on of the tree lights at approximately 5.30pm.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cllr Karen Robinson said: "I am so delighted we are again able to celebrate this fantastic event in person this year, and also welcome back the Mayor of Bergen from our twin city.

"Newcastle has always enjoyed a close relationship with Bergen, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to accept their generous gift of a tree on behalf of the people of our city.

"I am so looking forward to the evening and would like to invite everyone to share this special occasion as we celebrate the festive season."

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