An environmental activist from the Extinction Rebellion group caused a major disruption at a traditional tree-cutting ceremony in Norway, climbing the spruce destined for London's Trafalgar Square.
Protest Disrupts Longstanding Tradition
During the ceremony near Oslo, a protestor scaled the Norwegian spruce in a demonstration against British and Norwegian oil extraction. The individual remained perched at the top of the tree, creating an unexpected spectacle for officials and onlookers gathered for the annual event.
According to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK, the protest was a direct action by the global environmental movement. The protestor was back on the ground by 9:30 am UK time, though it remains unclear whether he descended voluntarily or was removed.
Official Reactions to the Unwanted 'Decoration'
The Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe, expressed her surprise at the incident, stating, "I have to admit I was pretty surprised when I saw unwanted Christmas decorations in the tree."
Knut Johansson from the environmental department, who was present to oversee the tree cutting, emphasised the seriousness of the situation, noting, "This is not good. We cannot continue with a man in the tree." The ceremony proceeded with the Lord Mayor of Westminster in attendance, alongside the Mayor of Oslo and students from Maridalen and Manglerud schools.
A Gift of Gratitude Since 1947
The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a token of gratitude from the Norwegian people to Britain for its support during the Second World War. This annual gift has been a cherished tradition since 1947.
The tree is carefully selected, cut in a ceremony near Oslo, and then shipped by sea to London. Once erected in Trafalgar Square, it is decorated in the traditional Norwegian style with vertical chains of lights.
This year's tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 4. The event will begin at 5pm, with the switch-on at 6pm. The programme will feature carols led by the Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army, a poem written by Westminster children, a display by The Corps of Drums from the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood, and a performance by The Norwegian Girls’ Choir, conducted by Anne Karin Sundal-Ask.
