Preparing to tripthe lights fantastic

Clifton Village will be transformed next month (Nov) when the lights on a giant Christmas Tree are switched on. 

The 50-foot Norwegian Spruce tree will be decorated with 5,000 LED lights, 100 baubles and wrapped boxes of Christmas presents. 

Before the lights are switched on there will be community carol singing led by a local choir. 

 “There is no doubt that this event is the biggest community function in the year in Clifton Village. People come from all over the city and from  beyond for the switch-on, ” said Tony Miles,  who has been organising the event for many years. 

Several thousand people turned up last year when Bristol-born actor and BBC Radio Bristol presenter Joe Sims turned the lights on. 

 “People will have to wait until the switch-on to see who will be turning the lights this year.”

The event takes place on November 20 in The Mall gardens with the lights being turned on at 6.30pm. Traders in Clifton Village will be open for late-night shopping

The tree and lights are paid for by local traders through BID Clifton (Business Improvement District.)

The tree is so big that a crane will lift it into position. Scaffolding will be erected around it so that the decorations can be put in place.