The traditional Christmas tree that is going to London has been cut down – news Oslo og Viken – Local news, TV and radio

– It’s really cool to be a part of it. The tree is going to London itself, says Lilly Slettevold. True to tradition, this year’s London fir was felled in Sørkedalen in Oslo on Friday. Christmas carols were sung and speeches were given, with guests from far and wide present. Three school classes were allowed to participate when the Christmas tree was to be felled. This year’s London fir is 19 meters high and will be transported to London by the ship DFDS. Photo: Ellinor Hopen / news A long tradition The annual pre-Christmas tradition started way back in 1947. The background was a desire to show gratitude for the support Norway received from Great Britain during the Second World War. Mayor Anne Lindboe (H) believes the symbolism is just as important as it was 76 years ago. – Over time, the gift has also developed to represent more than just gratitude; friendship between cities, peace and solidarity. Such traditions are important to hold on to in an otherwise unstable time, she says. Mayor of Westminster Patricia McAllister was also there when the tree was felled. – I think the tree is absolutely beautiful. I am so proud and happy to be here, says McAllister. Mayor Anne Lindboe and district mayor Patricia McAllister started the felling of the tree. Photo: Ellinor Hopen / news Criticism silenced Several times the tree has been criticized for being too ugly. Especially in 2021, the Christmas tree was reviewed on social media. Last year, much of the criticism subsided when the lights were switched on. Measures had then been introduced to prevent the tree from being damaged on the road. – There are many transport stages, so the tree takes a bit of a beating along the way, says section leader for Nordmarka Knut Johansson. Section leader for Nordmarka Knut Johansson must make sure that things go right when the wood is transported. Photo: Ellinor Hopen / news Therefore, the measures will also be carried out this year. – Branches will break, so we will send some extra that can be put in place when it arrives, says Johansson. I think the British will be satisfied. Now the Christmas tree’s journey to Trafalgar Square in London begins. It will be transported with the ship DFDS. Lilly Slettevold is satisfied with this year’s tree. Photo: Bård Nafstad / news Slettevold thinks the British will be very satisfied with the 19 meter high tree. – It looks good and will fit in well in London, she says. Ludvig Tjønneland agrees. – I think it’s quite nice and there’s a good height to it. So I hope they will be happy about it, he says. Ludvig Tjønneland was there when the London fir was felled. Photo: Bår Nafstad / news



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