Christmas tree floats into the bay again

GEELONG’S floating Christmas tree arrived in Corio Bay this morning as the City of Greater Geelong prepares to bring forward its free program of Christmas activities and entertainment across the region.

The 10-tonne tree was brought to Geelong Waterfront via a tugboat with assistance from GeelongPort.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said decorating the floating tree is not a simple task, and lighting experts from Geelong company Total Events spend almost a week testing and programming the LED lights.

“We love Christmas in Geelong so there’s nothing better than seeing the floating tree make its way to waterfront.

“Christmas in Geelong is a multicultural celebration and such a source of pride and joy for our community.”

“For the first time, the tree will be put together and tested in Steampacket Quay so you can see all the action up close.”

More than 261,000 people attended last year’s Christmas program, which generated more than $20 million in economic output for the region.

“Our Christmas program creates jobs for tradies, lighting experts, and children’s entertainers as well as generating income for hard working small business owners,” Cr Asher said.

“It’s no surprise that a recent survey found that 94 per cent of participants believe our Christmas program is important for Geelong.”

The tree will be powered up from 8.30pm to midnight each day from early November. The free sound and light show lasts for six minutes and runs every 15 minutes.

Visitors can enjoy the tree while observing COVID-19 safety measures or stream the show live from the comfort of their own home via Christmas at Geelong.

“The Greater Geelong community has done an amazing effort in getting vaccinated, and we’re hopeful that this year the community can safely celebrate Christmas and the traditions we know and love,” Cr Asher said.

About the tree:

• The 10-tonne steel Christmas tree was constructed by Geelong manufacturer Hanlon Industries in 2014
• The tree is 25 metres tall and made up of 400 LED lights and 11,000 reflective discs
• The star is four-meters wide and gently rotates with the wind direction
• Before COVID-19, the floating tree attracted 193,000 visitors
• The tree will be in place until January 7, 2022 (to align with Orthodox Christmas).

Other highlights of the Christmas program include the projections on City Hall, festive street entertainment, School Christmas Tree program and the Giant Selfie Trail across 22 locations.

The hashtag for 2021 is #GeelongChristmas. For more information, head to the Geelong Christmas website.