Rachel Bishop
By Rachel Bishop

Senior Staff Writer

25 November 2019

| | 1 min read

What's On

Bergen Tree brings more festive cheer to city

The city’s annual festive tradition of the lighting of the Bergen Tree takes place on Thursday (28 November) at a ceremony at the Civic Centre, and everyone is invited to come along.

Lighting the Bergen Tree
Lighting the Bergen Tree

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

And this year the Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cllr David Cook, will invite the Mayor of Bergen, Marte Mjos Persen to switch on the lights.

The ceremony starts with a traditional carol service in the grand entrance of the Civic Centre from 5.30pm. After this the Lord Mayor and Mayor of Bergen will invite everyone outside to the tree, located just outside the Civic Centre.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cllr David Cook said: “Newcastle has always enjoyed a close relationship with the people of Norway, more importantly our friends in Bergen, so I’m delighted to receive this gift on behalf of the city.  I’m looking forward to welcoming the Mayor of Bergen to our city and would like to invite everyone to share this special occasion as we celebrate the festive season.”

I’m looking forward to welcoming the Mayor of Bergen to our city and would like to invite everyone to share this special occasion as we celebrate the festive season.

Cllr David Cook

Lord Mayor of Newcastle City Council