As if by the work of magical Christmas elves, Cityprom's Brisbane Street Mall giant Christmas tree was lit up on Friday night.
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With COVID-19 restrictions in mind, the Cityprom elves chose to light the tree - and kick off Christmas - under a guide of secrecy.
The big red button to light the tree was pressed by Henry Thompson from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Cityprom Launceston City interim executive Amanda McEvoy said the event was typically a magical initiation of the festive season, but unfortunately it had to be changed in 2020.
"This year we are incredibly sad to have not been able to have the normal event," she said.
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But Ms McEvoy said there would still be extensive festive celebrations throughout the mall during the Christmas period.
"We have been able to make the best of the situation and divert our resources to create a whole month worth of fun," she said.
"We'll have entertainment happening in the Brisbane Street Mall all the way up until December 24.
"There's everything from live music ... We've got street entertainers including a Christmas tree on stilts, a living statue, Christmas elves, a drive in simulator ... Something for everyone.
"We will have a board at each end of the mall which each day will tell you what's on and what time so you can time your day around what's happening."
Ms McEvoy said there would also be a Christmas window decoration competition the mall's stores would be engaging with.
She said there would also be speakers playing carols and music throughout the mall during Christmas.
As part of the lighting a Launceston written Christmas carol called "Light A Candle" that is raising money for Act for Kids was sung.
The song was written by Matt Gower, his former rockstar father Richard Gower and a number of credentialed musicians and mixers.
Through pre-sales alone the song has already raised over $25,000.
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