Town is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and on Saturday 29 November, thousands will gather round the Market Square tree to watch Father Christmas illuminate the work that has gone in to this festive season.
Sonia Taylor, director of Bailwick Estates, which is responsible for Market Square, said the tree, which was first put up in that location in 2018, had become an integral part of Christmas in Town. She added that this year’s tall, Yorkshire-grown tree, was the sturdy kind – and would not mind a bit of snow.
‘We’re really lucky to have found such a beautiful tree,’ she said.
‘A lot of Christmas trees died in the UK this dry summer from lack of water. And then they were battered by wind and lots of farms were flooded – we’re lucky to have one at all. We love it being in Market Square, and I think the children do, too.’
The tree was driven down to Portsmouth, and shipped and delivered to the island free of charge by Ferryspeed. The cost for the tree and its baubles, said to be about £1,700, has been sponsored by Sure by Beyon for the first time.
Three local Sure staff members were lifted by crane to decorate the 25-foot evergreen this week.
‘Sure are very much about connection with the community,’ said Gemma Ainger, Sure’s brand lead.
‘And this is not just a Christmas tree, it’s something that brings everyone together. You think of New York with the tree in Rockerfeller Center – in Guernsey, this is our equivalent.’
Sure’s digital marketing manager Chris Finnamore was responsible for adding the star on top – a job, he said, he also commanded at home.
‘I’m quite tall, but I’ve never decorated a tree this high before – so I needed a bit of help,’ he said.
‘Having something like this in the centre of St Peter Port, that we’ve helped to make happen, is very important to us, and we’re very happy to be a part of it.’
Next Saturday, the Christmas parade will set off from the Model Yacht Pond at 3.30pm and proceed to Market Square, with the switch-on taking place at 5pm.
Jonathan Creasey, chairman of the St Peter Port Christmas lights committee, said that it had been focused on coordinating the parade, the lights switch-on, delivering the tree and Thursday late-night shopping evenings throughout December, with a more streamlined approach – with hopes to heighten the festive experience this year.
‘We would like to thank all of the sponsors for helping light up St Peter Port,’ he said.
‘The magic simply wouldn’t happen without them.’
Buskers are invited to entertain Christmas shoppers on Saturdays throughout the season and can book slots by searching on Eventbrite.
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