Christmas cheer will takeover Launceston on Friday night for the annual Christmas in the City.
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This year’s event will have a slightly new look and feel, with the Brisbane Street Mall redevelopment, new banners and the tree’s more central location.
The stage will be set up in front of the 10-metre tree, facing St John Street and all roads in the city will remain open. Cityprom executive officer Steve Henty said the event is running in conjunction with the Mad Hatters Twilight Festival, which was postponed to November 16 due to weather.
Santa’s kept his method of transport to the tree lighting top secret, but he will arrive at 8.15pm and the tree will be lit about 8.30pm.
“He might come at 3.30pm and make use of some of our free parking in the multi-storey car parks,” Mr Henty said.
All multi-storey car parks will be open until midnight to accommodate the roughly 4000 people expected to attend.
Previously, concrete pillars were brought in to keep the tree grounded and stable, but the Mall redevelopment included special footings so the tree could be bolted down.
Mr Henty said the new space was more versatile and it would allow more people to get closer to the tree.
City-goers are reminded to be safe and not to climb the tree.
Santa isn’t the only one watching, with the tree in clear view of three CCTV cameras.
Both events are on from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, with the Mad Hatters festival at the Quadrant and Christmas in the City at the Mall. .