Point Lonsdale’s Christmas tree lights up the night

COMMUNITY members of all ages gathered at the Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall last Saturday to welcome in the festive season.

About 500 people attended the lighting of the township’s famed 45-metre Christmas tree, continuing an annual tradition that spans more than 70 years.

Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Di Rule said it was a delight to see the community come together to watch the 130-year-old Norfolk pine tree come alive with twinkling lights.

“For many, the lighting of the Christmas tree is a family tradition. They fondly remember coming along when they were young, and now enjoy bringing their own children.

“Once the tree is lit, it is a reminder to far and wide that it’s almost Christmas, and summer beckons.”

The evening was filled with music and laughter, with local primary school and kindergarten students taking to the stage to share poems and perform Christmas songs.

Santa was also in attendance.

“The performances were wonderful and there was a real Christmas spirit buzz amongst the crowd,” Cr Rule said.

“It’s lovely to see all ages coming together for a night of fun.”

She praised the work of the event’s organisers who year-on-year ensure the night runs to plan and the Christmas lights go on without a hitch.

“Without them this would not be the terrific event we have all come to love.”

Tree lighting committee member and Point Lonsdale Primary School principal Fay Agterhuis celebrated the event’s favourable weather, after the festivities were last year forced to shift in doors due to rain.

“The weather held up beautifully. The wind kept light. The light wind kept the mozzies down, which was a bonus.

“It wasn’t too hot, it wasn’t too cold, and that bit of cloud cover was in our favour because it meant when we hit the lights just before 8.30pm, we got a really good image of what the lights would look like as darkness fully hit.”

The tree, which is situated on the corner of Point Lonsdale and Grimes roads, will now be lit each evening between 8.30pm and 3.30am until January 26.