Market Square gets its Christmas tree

Placed in the centre of Market Square, the official Town tree, the responsibility of Bailiwick Estates, has this year been sponsored by Rihoy & Son and shipped for free to the island by Ferryspeed, after an initial scare that no-one would be able to fund it.

Director of Bailiwick Estates, which manages the market building and Market Square, Sonia Taylor, said it had been more of a challenge this year to get the tree in place.

‘Trying to source a UK tree has been difficult on top of being able to fund it, so we’re extremely lucky to have one,’ she said.

‘We always want to make sure that it happens, so we’re proud it’s here now and decorated.

‘It’s great to have a local firm come forward in Rihoy & Son and we’re really grateful to them for enabling it and to Ferryspeed for getting here free of charge.

‘It’d be great to see people appreciate and respect the tree as an integral part of the town’s Christmas – thousands of islanders will want to enjoy it.’

It took several days for the tree to be decorated with large and small baubles, as well as lights but it’s now complete and is only waiting to be lit up as part of the Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday.

Projects director at Rihoy & Son Dan Taylor said the tree was a festive landmark and an important island tradition that they wanted to help continue.

‘The Christmas tree in Market Square provides a community hub for festive activity in St Peter Port,’ he said.

‘We felt it was important, particularly this year, to contribute towards the build-up to Christmas in Town.’

A picture competition next to the tree is also due to be launched in the coming days with the tag #saytrees.