Rachel Bishop
By Rachel Bishop

Senior Staff Writer

29 November 2022

| | 1 min read

Bergen Tree brings festive cheer

Newcastle’s festive count-down continues this Thursday (1 December) with the city’s annual Christmas tradition of the lighting of the Bergen Tree at a ceremony at the Civic Centre, and everyone is invited to come along.

Bergen Tree lit outside the Civic Centre
Bergen Tree brings festive cheer

For over 70 years Newcastle has received a gift of a Christmas tree from the city of Bergen in Norway to symbolise its gratitude for our city's support and friendship during the second world war.

And this year’s event is even more special following two years where it was moved online due to Covid restrictions.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Karen Robinson, will be joined by the Mayor of Bergen, Linn Kristin Engø on the evening, which starts with the traditional Christmas carols and songs in the Grand Entrance of the Civic Centre at 5pm. They will then invite guests outside for the switch-on of the tree lights at approximately 5.30pm.

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Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cllr Karen Robinson said: “I am so delighted we are again able to celebrate this fantastic event in person this year, and also welcome back the Mayor of Bergen from our twin city.

“Newcastle’s has always enjoyed a close relationship with Bergen, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to accept their generous gift of a tree on behalf of the people of our city.

“I am so looking forward to the evening and would like to invite everyone to share this special occasion as we celebrate the festive season.”

Newcastle’s has always enjoyed a close relationship with Bergen, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to accept their generous gift of a tree on behalf of the people of our city.

I am so looking forward to the evening and would like to invite everyone to share this special occasion as we celebrate the festive season

Cllr Karen Robinson

Lord Mayor of Newcastle