MYSTERY surrounds the whereabouts of Nottingham's Christmas tree after it was taken down less than 12 hours after being put up.
The Post recorded a video of the tree, which was meant to be 40ft tall, being put up in Old Market Square with the help of a crane yesterday morning. Watch the video here
It is understood to have come from a forest in Scotland.
But by 6pm, all that was left around the stand were a few branches.
Workmen at the site told the Post it had been "taken back" because it was too short.
However, nobody was available from Nottingham City Council to say why the tree had been taken down.
We contacted Councillor Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and tourism, last night to find out what had happened but he said he did not know and was unable to find out.
The tree was set to go up with time to spare before the Christmas lights switch-on, on Wednesday, November 21.
After watching the tree being hoisted into place yesterday, George Bentley, of Hucknall, said: "I'm looking forward to Christmas, to be honest. The decorations are already up and now the tree today, so I'm getting in the mood and looking forward to the big switch-on."
However, after seeing the empty space later that evening, Stuart Webb, 26, of Sneinton, said: "As long as it goes up in the end, then that's fine by me."
The lights switch-on will also mark the opening of a Winter Wonderland in the square.
This will include a two-storey roofed Victorian bar with a linked food area and a singing snowman as well as the Star Flyer ride, which has featured at Goose Fair.
The bar will offer festive food and drink, including mulled wine, cider, ale and homemade hot Gluhwein – and there will also be market stalls selling handmade gifts.
In a statement by the council earlier in the day, Councillor Trimble said: "The Winter Wonderland will create a magical atmosphere in the heart of the city, giving people a fantastic way to celebrate Christmas in Nottingham.
"Anyone planning a visit should look out for special events including traditional Christmas music and themed late-night shopping evenings throughout December."
It will be the third year that the Winter Wonderland has been in Nottingham, following the German market event that was held in the square for five years before that.
David Highley, of Keyworth who was passing through the square with wife Sue, said: "I might look at one or two of the stalls but it's nice to have a market.
"It's a lovely focal point for the city and a lot of people do come probably from quite a distance to see it."
The lights switch-on starts at 5.30pm with festive street theatre and music from Nottingham Music School. The lights will be turned on at 6.25pm
It is not known when a tree will return to the square.
For more details about Christmas events in the city, go to www.mynottingham.gov.uk/ whatson
What do you think of Nottingham's Christmas celebration plans? Call our newsdesk on 0115 905 1967 or e-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
