Giant Christmas tree for Norwich

Watch as the Christmas tree is erected outside The Forum overnight

A giant Christmas tree has been erected outside The Forum in Norwich to create a new seasonal centrepiece in the city.

The 60ft (18.3m) tree replaces the winter ice-rink that has been on Millennium Plain in recent years.

"We hope that the tree will be a source of pride for the people of Norwich," said Robin Hall, chief executive of The Forum Trust.

The tree came from the Elveden Estate and its lights were switched on during Thursday, 19 November, 2009.

Ice-skaters will miss out on circling the open-air rink during the 2009/2010 festive season because of a fall in interest and its high financial cost.

"We've had to call time on the ice-rink after six years because the number of people skating has reduced year-on-year - in the last couple of years quite significantly," said Mark Hand from The Forum Trust.

View: Christmas tree webcam

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What are your thoughts on The Forum's giant Christmas tree? Let us know and we'll publish a selection of your comments here.

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Absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful atmosphere there was this evening at the light switch-on. So good not to have a barrier to pedestrian access to The Forum and Chapelfield. Having been in the city at 10pm this evening, the tree and surrounding lights were just beautiful.
Abi from Briston

I am disappointed we have a xmas tree as really wanted to see the ice ring at the forum again as wanted to take my young nephew/nieces to the ring. Norwich hasn't got a ice ring at the moment as it's currently closed. Totally disappointed.
Michael from Norwich

It'll be nice to have a change from the ice-rink, but maybe that could be considered for a return in future.
Andrew from Edinburgh

BRILLIANT!! SO glad the AWFUL ice-rink has gone... It was too small, too crowded, and the LEAST Christmassy-looking ice-rink I've EVER seen... The boots hurt, the ice was NEVER frozen properly, the music and lights were pathetic. A complete let down!!!... I'm looking forward to seeing the big tree all lit up!
Ben from North Walsham

It has been in the news that nnc are looking for ways to save money. schools care homes and the vunerable. how much did this cost? who is going to lose out because of it? total waste of money.
Anon

I think the tree was a very good idea a lot better than an empty ice-rink.
Wayne from Downham Market

The Christmas tree is going to look wonderful. It will be beautiful. It's position is perfect being outside both the modern Forum and the historic St Peter Mancroft church. It says 'hello and welcome to a fine city, we do it with style'.
Jackie from Norwich