An extra special Christmas light switch-on is set to take place in Newcastle city centre this week.

Families are urged to come along to the Civic Centre on Thursday, November 30 to mark a festive tradition that honours the city's historic twinning with Bergen in Norway.

The Mayor of Bergen, Marit Warncke, will join the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Veronica Dunn in turning on the lights of a Christmas tree on the grounds of St Thomas’s Church. The event will kick off at 5pm and see crowds sing Christmas songs around the tree.

For over 70 years, the Norwegian city has given Newcastle a Christmas tree as a symbol of gratitude for its support during the Second World War. But for the first time this year, the two cities will instead dedicate a Christmas tree that is already standing and exchange a bauble in an effort to be more environmentally friendly.

The Mayor of Bergen, Marit Warncke said: “Having only very recently taken over the role of Mayor I am delighted to be invited to Newcastle so soon to further progress the fantastic relationship between our two cities.

“I also understand the importance of the future of our cities and doing all we can to protect them for the next generation. I, therefore, welcome the new tradition we will be establishing this year and am honoured to be the first Mayor of Bergen to be bestowed with this.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Veronica Dunn, said she hoped to see members of the public come along to the event to show their support.

“I am honoured to again welcome the Mayor of Bergen to Newcastle and am proud of the relationship we have built over the years and the close bond between our cities," she said.

“We cannot underestimate the importance and value to our city being twinned with Bergen brings, and as we move together towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly communities, we are very proud to have worked in harmony to find new ways to celebrate this relationship in our Christmas celebrations.

“I look forward to welcoming everyone, including local people to the ceremony on November 30.”

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