Newcastle is again looking forward to welcoming the Mayor of Bergen for an annual festive visit when she will also be asked to help switch on of the city’s Christmas Tree lights.
Mayor of Bergen Marit Warncke will be the guest of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Rob Higgins on Thursday 28 November. The visit is part of a long tradition and a symbol of friendship between the twinned cities, which once saw a real tree transported from the Norwegian city to Newcastle.
Last year was the first time a living tree was used as part of a shared commitment to cut carbon emissions and move towards a more sustainable future. The Major of Bergen will again be gifting a Christmas bauble for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas tree, another new custom introduced last year.
The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Rob Higgins said: “Welcoming the Mayor of Bergen and other guests to Newcastle is one of the highlights of the civic calendar. I am honoured to be hosting this much valued tradition this year and proud of the relationship and close bond we have built over the years.
“As we look to the future of both cities, it is right the new customs introduced last year continue and I look forward to our friendship developing further in the years to come.
“I would like to invite everyone to share this special occasion as we celebrate the festive season together.”
The ceremony will take place on Thursday 28 November from 5pm and everyone is welcome. The tree stands in the grounds of St Thomas’ Church, next to the Civic Centre and will be lit following welcoming speeches from the Lord Mayor and Mayor of Bergen. This will be followed by a carol service at St Thomas’ Church, which again is open to guests and members of the public.