Surprise element at village’s big event

The vicar of Christ Church, Clifton, and a group of singers from  his church will be playing leading parts in the lighting  ceremony of Clifton Village’s giant Christmas Tree. 

Community carol singing will be led by the church singers and the Rev. Paul Langham will bless the tree. 

The 50 foot tall Norwegian spruce tree will be covered in 5,000 LED lights,100 baubles  and wrapped boxes of Christmas presents. 

“There is no doubt that the lights switch-on has become the biggest community event in Clifton Village. It brings in not only local people but also visitors from across the city and beyond,” said Tony Miles,  who organises the event each year.

 “People will have to wait until the night to see who will be turning the lights on,” he said.

Last year it was Bristol-born actor and BBC Radio Bristol presenter Joe Sims.  Several thousand people packed the streets around The Mall gardens as he flicked the switch.  

The event takes place on November 20 with the community singing starting at 6pm followed by the switch-on of the lights thirty minutes later.

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

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

The organisation encourages traders to stay open late.