Floating their boats: Crowds make Christmas tree tradition

THE first night of Geelong’s floating Christmas tree is becoming an annual tradition for some families, with an increasing number of people returning for its opening each year.

Of this year’s crowd, 30 per cent had attended the 2016 ceremony, up from 17 per cent in 2014 and 24 per cent in 2015.

The crowd predominantly came from Corio, Armstrong Creek, Belmont and Grovedale, but some visitors travelled from as far away as Melbourne, regional Victoria and interstate.

About 93 per cent of those surveyed said they enjoyed the vibrancy of the event and the same percentage said they would return again to see the tree during this festive season.

About three quarters said they would return to see the City Hall Christmas projections.

The results are from almost 250 online surveys completed from the crowd of 15,000.

Of the respondents, 94 per cent said they were there specifically for the tree lighting ceremony and more than 37 per cent went on to attend the City Hall projections.

The crowd on opening night also spent money at local businesses, with 83 per cent buying food and 26.3 per cent shopping while in Central Geelong.

The average person spent just over $40.

Respondents also lauded the significance of Geelong’s Christmas program to the region.

More than 97 per cent said the tree was important or very important to Geelong, and almost 93 per cent said the City Hall Christmas projections are important or very important to Geelong.

“It’s great to see such strong community support for the lighting of Geelong’s floating Christmas tree,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“The tree brings people together to share the spirit of Christmas; it increases trade for local businesses and it’s fast becoming an icon of our region.

“But most important is the joy on children’s faces as they experience the festive season with their family and friends.”