Trafalgar Square’s world-famous Christmas tree has been chopped down in Oslo ready for its journey to the capital.
The 20-metre tree was cut in Grefsenkleiva on Thursday ahead of its long journey to London.
The 56-year-old tree will now travel more than 110 miles to the port of Brevik where it will be loaded onto a ship to Immingham in Lincolnshire before making the trip to London.
The annual Christmas tree tradition began in 1947 as an expression of gratitude for the support Norway received from the UK during World War II.
When Norway was invaded in 1940, the King of Norway, Haakon VII, took refuge in Britain and the Norwegian government-in-exile was established in London.
As part of the ceremony, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Mayor of Oslo planted a new tree in the forest, which will then be felled in around 60 years time to make a new Christmas tree.
When the tree arrives in central London’s Trafalgar Square, it will be decorated with energy efficient lightbulbs before being switched on in a ceremony on December 5.
Both the Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr Robert Rigby, and the Mayor of Oslo, Mayor Anne Lindboe will attend.
Cllr Rigby said: “For many Londoners, the lighting of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree marks the unofficial start of the festive period.
“Thousands come to see the lights get switched on and millions more enjoy the tree during December,
“On behalf of the City of Westminster, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the people of Oslo and Norway for this gift. They have done a tremendous job as ever - the tree looks majestic.
“It is a huge privilege to be a part of this wonderful tradition and wish it a safe journey back to London.”
Mayor of Oslo Anne Lindboe added: “The Christmas tree gift from Oslo to London is a tradition that symbolises the strong bond between our cities.
“The gift represents gratitude, friendship, and peace, and is just as significant today as it was 77 years ago.”
The tree was this year transported from Oslo to Brevik by electric truck, with diesel replacing with biodiesel in some of the machines and trucks.
It is hoped that the measures will reduce the Christmas tree's carbon footprint by 80% in a bid to make the tradition more environmentally friendly.
