The sudden appearance of a 65ft Christmas tree in a busy city centre has sparked outrage among locals after it was erected in the middle of October.
The massive fir was erected in Birmingham city centre’s Victoria Square over the weekend in preparation for its annual German Market.
The tree is put up each year in the bustling streets surrounding the city’s notorious Bull Ring shopping centre, and is an annual gift from Frankfurt to the people of Birmingham.
The tree, which is raised on a large wooden platform which punters can shelter beneath to taste mulled wine or hot chocolate, was first designed and built in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the partnership of the two cities.
The design came about after organisers heard how many people met ‘under the tree’ each year, and wanted to provide a welcoming space for this.
But residents have pointed out that with Halloween still round the corner, the move has left the area looking more like it’s the middle of December.
Richard McQuaid, 39, of Kings Heath, said: ‘While everywhere else is decorated for Halloween the square outside the council house looks more like it’s the middle of December.
‘It’s still more than two months away from Christmas so it feels way too soon.’
Other locals agreed that it’s ‘too soon’ to put up a Christmas tree in the middle of October – with Halloween and Bonfire Night not yet out of the way.
Georgina Walsh, 31, of Stechford, said: ‘The Christmas market is becoming more of a divisive issue in Brum – you either love it or hate it.
‘But to be talking about it in October while the leaves are still on the trees just feels wrong – get Halloween and Bonfire Night out of the way first.’
Others took to social media to express their frustration at the situation.
Stephen Harris wrote on X: ‘Birmingham council have put up at 65ft Christmas Tree, in the middle of October. Welcome to Clown World, before Halloween and Bonfire Night.’
A second person wrote: ‘No no no….too soon’, while another commented: ‘You’ve got to be kidding, the kids have just gone back after summer…haven’t they?’
A fourth added: ‘IT’S STILL OCTOBER!’ and included the hashtags ‘bah humbug’ and ‘too soon’.
The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is due to open on November 1 and will run until December 24.
The civic tree has been put up outside Birmingham City Council’s offices while market stalls are also being erected for the festive season.
Birmingham City Council is not responsible for funding or putting up the tree, which is all handled by the market’s owners.
- An earlier version of this article stated that Birmingham Council had been criticised by residents for prioritising putting up a Christmas tree over dealing with the ongoing refuse collection strikes. The council have since clarified that the tree is installed by Frankfurt Christmas Market Ltd, who cover all costs and pay the council a licence fee for use of the space.
