Liverpool ONE will not welcome its giant love heart Christmas tree this festive season - and many people are delighted.
Since Liverpool ONE announced it would be retiring the famed cone-shaped tree, there's been a mixed reaction from the public. The divisive tree stands at 30 metres tall and usually takes two weeks to assemble.
The tallest in the UK, the 23 tonne structure was made up of 280 heart-shaped lights and had become an iconic annual feature in Liverpool ONE. Based on Paradise Street, the huge illuminated, multicoloured tree is being replaced this year.
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Instead of one giant structure, a series of eight-metre neon trees will be installed in its place, with tourists and locals alike treated to a new design for the first time in years. Those craving the sight of a huge tree will be able to venture to Chavasse Park, where a new 25-metre Christmas tree will stand proudly.
Since the news of the love heart tree's axing, people have taken to social media to share their thoughts - with some delighted the tree won't be making a return this festive season, and others upset to see it go. On the Liverpool Echo What's On Facebook page, Jayne Sims said: "I didn't like it much. I hope its replacement will be more pleasing!"
Emma Lou Stevenson said: "Probably cost too much to light up so making cutbacks. It'll be a dark Christmas this year". Clare Couzens commented: "About time, although the image in the latest emails show a near identical tree".
Amie Sharkey said: "It wasn't very Christmassy anyway would much prefer a traditional tree". Jeff Wilson said: "Hated the heart tree. Much prefer a more traditional one." And Sarah Docherty said: "Good I hated that tree! Not Christmassy whatsoever".
But Malcolm Burrows thinks Christmas won't be the same without it. He commented: "Is it all to do with cut backs?? Liverpool won't be the same without that tree".
Neil Hartley was a fan of the quirky creation. He said: "It is so different from usual trees - unique to Liverpool - what happened". Sarah Vessey told a friend: "glad we got our photos last year!" Kate Eccelston echoed such sentiments and tagged a friend and said: "It's the end of era of our photo take together every xmas lol".
On our website, one person commented: "Like the heart tree, been part of Liverpool Xmas. But new tree looks nice and bright and change will do good. It's brighter."
But Erin Guinevere is happy the tree won't be returning this year. On Facebook, she added: "Thank GOD. I hate that 'tree' so much. It's not a tree, it's a cone of hearts. A cone shape does not a Christmas tree make. Hiiiiideous".
Liverpool ONE will roll out its Christmas displays and decorations, including its ski holiday-inspired wonderland Liverpool Alpine Village, in early November. For further information, or to book the Liverpool Alpine Village, click here.
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