Christmas tree from Oslo on its way to London

Christmas tree to LondonOslo.Christmas tree to London(2018).Photo: Håkon Mosvold Larsen / NTB scanpix

The Norwegian Christmas Tree, which will light up Trafalgar Square in London, was felled felled in Nordmarka on Tuesday. The 21 meter tall tree now starts its journey across the North Sea.

 

The tradition of a Norwegian Christmas Tree to London was established in 1947, thanking the British people for their assistance given to Norway during the Second World War. Every year, a tall spruce has be felled in Oslo’s forests around mid-November and then shipped over the North Sea.

This year’s tree has been in Nordmarka for around 80 years, and is now going to light up in the British capital from 6 December and throughout Christmas.

The attendance at the Nordmarka event included Oslo’s Mayor Marianne Borgen (SV), Lindsey Hall, Mayor of the Westminster borough of London where Trafalgar Square is located, and Richard Wood, British ambassador to Norway.

Wood has only been an ambassador for a few months, so it’s the first time he is witnessing the tree felling.

“A beautiful place and a wonderful tree,” says Wood from the forest in Nordmarka.

The Ambassador says that everyone in London knows about the tree and knows where it comes from.

“This is a nice tradition and not only reminds us of what has been, but also symbolizes the close friendship between our two countries,” said Wood.

Also Mayor Marianne Borgen emphasizes that, in addition to being a thank-you for the help the British gave us during the war, it is also a visible evidence of friendship between Oslo and London.

“Everybody need friends, even cities need friends, so I think this is a very nice tradition,” says the Mayor to NRK.

© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today