Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has encouraged Londoners to join a week long season of free carol singing which will run each evening from Monday 11 to Saturday 23 December.
The season will help against the backdrop of the traditional Norwegian Christmas tree. The tree is a gift to the people of London from Norway, which has been given by the Norwegian capital Oslo as a token of gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II.
The carol-singing programme, which is backed by the Mayor of London, follows the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Thursday 7 December, which will see the 60th Norwegian Christmas tree lit by HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway. Also in attendance will be The Mayor of Oslo and HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.
The free event will begin at 5.45pm, with carols sung by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields and renowned Norwegian boys choir Sølvguttene (Boys of Silver).
Speaking yesterday Ken Livingstone said that “for many Londoners the Christmas tree and carol-singing in Trafalgar Square signal the countdown to Christmas. All are welcome to come to the square to enjoy the carol-singing, which also raises money for good causes”
“This is the 60th Christmas tree to be placed in the square as a symbol of the friendship between London and Norway. The lighting ceremony and carol concert are a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.”
The tree will remain in Trafalgar Square until Saturday 6 January 2007, after which it will be recycled.
