For the third year running, Living Lerwick have worked in partnership with SIC, Northwards and Northlink to re-instate the popular big Norwegian Christmas tree at the Market Cross.
Two Christmas trees have always been gifted to Shetland as a gesture of goodwill from Norway to commemorate the Shetland Bus. These trees are erected in Scalloway and Whalsay. Until 2012, when the Council had to implement major budget savings, extra trees were bought and erected for Lerwick by the SIC, including the tree at the Market Cross.
Ben Mullay, Director at Living Lerwick said: “It’s clear everyone wants a tree at the Market Cross. Buying, transporting, erecting and decorating a large Christmas tree is hugely expensive, so we had to look at how to provide that without blowing our budget.
Working in partnership, we have managed to find a solution which benefits everyone. Northwards and Northlink have transported all three trees from Aberdeen free of charge and Shetland Islands Council Roads Department have erected our one at the Market Cross. Living Lerwick are decorating the tree. We are extremely grateful for everyone’s contribution and happy to have a tree at the cross”
Plans for the Living Lerwick Magical Christmas Light Switch-on event are well underway. It will begin with the Christmas light switch-on parade which starts at Thulecraft at 3.30pm on Saturday 2nd December.
Santa will arrive off the lifeboat at 3.15pm at Albert Wharf, turn right on to the Esplanade and travel up onto Commercial Road before taking his place as leader of the parade.
The Christmas lights (provided by the businesses in the area through Living Lerwick) will be switched on by Peerie Foxes nursery bairns waving their magic wands as they pass. This year’s Jarl Squad will be out as part of the parade and the brass band will provide music as the parade progresses
The parade will pass through Commercial Street, down Church Road and finish up at the Market Cross to switch on the new Christmas tree lights to the sound of Christmas music.