The magnificent spruce was chopped down in a traditional ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Robert Rigby and the Mayor of Oslo, Anne Lindboe. To make this year's tree more environmentally friendly, a sapling will be planted in its place and the chopped down one will travel part of the way in an electric truck.
Organisers described the spruce as 'one of the world's most famous Christmas trees' representing 'friendship between cities and countries, peace, and solidarity.' The British ambassador to Norway, Jan Thompson, said: 'It isn't Christmas in the UK until the Trafalgar Square tree arrives.'
Lindboe said that the tradition 'was just as significant today as it was 77 years ago'. She added that the tree had 'brought joy to generations of Londoners', and for many people visiting London it is as essential to see the Norwegian tree as to go Christmas shopping in Oxford Street or catch a show in the West End.
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