Hundreds of people have gathered to watch the lights on Trafalgar Square's Christmas tree being switched on after some people mocked the tree for looking more sparse than usual .
The Lord Mayor of Westminster Ruth Bush was joined at the event by the Mayor of Oslo Marianne Borgen, who gifted the tree from Norway as thanks for help given by Britain in World War Two
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Borgen said: “It is really an honour for me to present to you this year’s Christmas tree from Oslo.”
The crowd cheered as the strings of lights were turned on.
The ceremony came after some Londoners expressed concern about the state of this year’s tree, given by Norway to Britain in line with the annual tradition dating back to 1947.
One social media user had labelled it the “most anaemic tree possible”, while another said: “As a Norwegian Brit I’m truly embarrassed.”
A third tweeted: “The Trafalgar tree’s looking a bit sparse this year… Who upset Norway then? Come on, own up.”
Some also took to Twitter to say the tree was still "underwhelming" after the lights had been switched on.
One person wrote: "Why are public Christmas trees dressed like this now? So underwhelming."
However, there was also an out pouring of support and thanks from many other people on social media who like the tree.
Speaking on Wednesday, a spokesman for Westminster Council said: “It’s a shame that people have to always be so negative. This tree is a symbol celebrating friendship in the face of adversity.
“I don’t know what people expect a 90-year-old 72ft tree to look like, but it is going to be different from a tree you have in your home. The branches will be spaced out a bit more.”
And London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: "I love this tradition. Every year since 1947, Norway have given us a 25-metre Christmas tree to thank us for our support during WW2. May our friendship and support for each other continue for years to come."
The tree is chopped down in Norway at the end of November, from a PEFC certified forest, before being transported to London via boat and lorry.
The lights are switched on the first Thursday in December, with crowds encouraged to gather around the tree at 6pm.
Trafalgar Square Christmas tree lights are switched on
