No Christmas tree for Falkirk this year

The Christmas lights switch-on in Falkirk town centre is always a major date in the social calendar, but this year's event will be without one familiar attraction '“ the tree.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Nov 2016, 13:46 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 17:14 BST

The town will sadly have no Christmas tree for 2016 due to the ongoing “significant restoration” work to the Steeple, which is undergoing a £748,000 facelift as part of Falkirk’s £5.6 million Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

The tree usually sits in front of the Steeple but there is no room for it this year due to the works and safety cordon around the famous landmark that has dominated the town’s skyline since the 16th century.

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For one year only, a substitute tree will be placed in the grounds of Trinity church just along from the Steeple in High Street.

A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “This year festivities in Falkirk town centre will have an extra sparkle with additional lights on trees in High Street and Newmarket Street.

“Unfortunately, there will be no main Christmas tree at the Steeple due to the significant restoration work being carried out at this part of the town centre.

“However, a large tree at St Modan’s will be dressed with lights as a one-off but we can assure shoppers and visitors to the town centre that the tree will return for 2017.”

This year’s lights switch-on is taking place on Sunday (November 20) at around 4.40pm with entertainment between 3-5pm from local groups as well as an illuminating display from Spark! LED Drummers.

Related topics:Falkirk