Welcoming the Mayor of Bergen for the annual Christmas Tree lights switch on

With Christmas fast approaching, Newcastle is again looking forward to welcoming the Mayor of Bergen for her annual festive visit and to join the Lord Mayor of Newcastle in switching on the lights of the city’s Christmas tree.

Mayor of Bergen, Marit Warncke will be the guest of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Henry Gallagher on Thursday 27 November, with the lighting ceremony starting at 5pm. Bergen is a twin city of Newcastle, and both have a have a long tradition of friendship, with the Norwegian city once gifting a real tree each Christmas as a symbol of this friendship.

In recent years, as part of a shared commitment to cut carbon emissions and move towards a more sustainable future, the Major of Bergen now gifts a Christmas bauble for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas tree, as part of a new custom.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Henry Gallagher, said: “The visit from the Mayor and our other friends from Bergen is one of the highlights of our civic calendar, and a sign that Christmas is just around the corner. I am also very proud of the relationship and close bond we have built over the years continues.

“I am very much looking forward to their visit and honoured to be hosting them again and would like to invite everyone to join us around the Christmas tree as we start the celebrations for this festive season, together and in friendship.”

This much-loved tradition takes place on Thursday 27 November, from 5pm, and everyone is welcome. Please meet at the Civic Centre Grand Entrance and then join the procession to the Christmas tree, in the grounds of St Thomas’ Church, before its blessing by Reverend Canon Dr Ben Doolan. The Lord Mayor and the Mayor of Bergen will lead the countdown to the Christmas tree lights being switched on and guests are then invited to join in with carol singing, either around the tree or in St Thomas Church, depending on the weather, followed by light refreshments.