Christmas tree light switch on at the Civic Centre in Newcastle.(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

13 pictures as families gather in Newcastle city centre for Christmas tree light switch on

by · ChronicleLive

It's been a festive affair in Newcastle this evening as families gathered for the switching on of the city's Christmas tree lights.

Mayor of Bergen Marit Warncke was the guest of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Rob Higgins for the event on Thursday night. The visit is part of a long tradition and a symbol of friendship between the twinned cities, which once saw a real tree transported from the Norwegian city to Newcastle.

Last year was the first time a living tree was used as part of a shared commitment to cut carbon emissions and move towards a more sustainable future. The Major of Bergen once again gifted a Christmas bauble for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas tree, another new custom introduced last year.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Rob Higgins said: “Welcoming the Mayor of Bergen and other guests to Newcastle is one of the highlights of the civic calendar. I am honoured to be hosting this much valued tradition this year and proud of the relationship and close bond we have built over the years.

“As we look to the future of both cities, it is right the new customs introduced last year continue and I look forward to our friendship developing further in the years to come. I would like to invite everyone to share this special occasion as we celebrate the festive season together.”

Christmas tree lights switch on(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
Christmas tree lights switch on(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Rob Higgins(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)