Newcastle shines as Bergen tree lights up

The Tree, a special gift from the people of Bergen in Norway, was lit up last night as part of a tradition going on since 1949.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle with Mayor of Bergen

Over a hundred people attended a special ceremony at the Civic Centre last night which started with a traditional carol service.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cllr David Cook was joined by the Mayor of Bergen Marte Mjos Persen who arrived on Wednesday to present the Tree.

Lord Mayor of Newcastle Cllr David Cook said “It’s a tradition that’s been going on since 1949 and it’s very important that we keep up our links of friendship with particularly the city of Bergen, the Norwegian people which dates back to our alliance in the Second World War.”

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Over a hundred people attended a special ceremony at the Civic Centre last night which started with a traditional carol service followed by the lights switch on.

Slideshow featuring images from the ceremony

Mayor of Bergen Marte Mjos Persen said “For 70 years, first time Bergen city gave a Christmas tree as a present for Newcastle and we are doing it because we are very grateful for the help from the English people gave during the Second World War. We will always be grateful for that, and the tree is a symbol of peace and it is a symbol of what we can lose if we are not free people, and it is our way to say Merry Christmas and peaceful times for both our countries.”

Newcastle shines as Bergen tree lights up
Watch highlights from yesterday's Bergen Tree ceremony, an annual tradition dating back to 1949 ? Read more about it and check out some more images on the website ? http://socsi.in/X1Kyn
Posted by Newcastle City Council on Friday, 29 November 2019

It’s a tradition that’s been going on since 1949 and it’s very important that we keep up our links of friendship with particularly the city of Bergen, the Norwegian people which dates back to our alliance in the Second World War.