Global warming splits Christmas tree

The tree is due to go up outside City Hall

Christmas will be coming a little late to Belfast this year after a mini global warming disaster struck the city's Christmas tree.

The 45ft Norway Spruce tree from Parkanaur near Dungannon, was cut down last week.

However, it quickly began to split in two.

A council spokesman said: "The wet summer and unseasonally dry autumn had a devastating effect on the tree but we hope to source another immediately.''

Time's running out for the council though, the big switch on of the Christmas tree lights is due to take place on Tuesday, November 20. About 15,000 people are expected to attend.

World record

The council says a new tree will be there for the switching on.

Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers will be joined by the singer Shayne Ward and Blue Peter tv presenter Zoe Salmon.

It is not the first time Christmas events have not gone exactly to plan in Belfast Council.

There was heated discussion in 1995 as to whether President Clinton or the Power Rangers should have the honour of switching on the lights.

In the end the president got the vote.

Meanwhile, assembly members from the north west are set to try and break the world record for having the most Santas in one place at the same time.

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday 9 December on the Derry Walls.

It is one of the largest charity events ever organised in Northern Ireland and all of the proceeds raised through "10001 Santas" will be divided between four local charities: Children in Crossfire, Foyle Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Care and iCARE.