The Poetry Society

Look North More Often: The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree 

It’s probably the most famous Christmas tree in the world, and its lighting-up ceremony has come to signify the beginning of the Christmas season in the British capital. A specially commissioned new poem is at the heart of the celebrations.

The Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is the City of Oslo’s annual gift to the people of London, a tradition that dates back to 1947. Since 2009, the Poetry Society has worked with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in London to create a poetry project inspired by the tree, which is now established as a central part of the tradition.

A new poem, The Kindness of Trees, written by Jackie Kay with the help of primary school children, was performed as part of the official lighting-up ceremony in the Square on 6 December 2012.

 Following the Lighting Up Ceremony the full poem was displayed on colourful banners around the tree until 6 January 2013.

A free poetry resource pack for teachers is available upon request. You can also download a sample PDF lesson plan here, and some background about the project here and here.

For more information contact Robyn Donaldson, Marketing Assistant, on marketing@poetrysociety.org.uk  or call the Poetry Society on 020 7420 9880.

Read more about the history of the project here.

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