"It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas"
The iconic Geelong floating Christmas tree is back on show for the start of a new festive season.
Marking its seventh year in the bay, the world class silver structure was carefully towed into place on Monday ahead of Geelong’s annual Christmas celebrations.
While The Floating Christmas Tree launches would usually be celebrated with live entertainment, a light show and fireworks, this year will instead see the tree broadcast online via a live feed to allow the community – and world – to enjoy the landmark decoration from the comfort of their own homes, with a recording of the light and sound show also available.
Courtesy of Darryn Lyons, the infamous 25-metre structure debuted back in 2014 and has since given locals a spot to spend their nights leading up to Christmas, watching the light show synchronised to music and delighting people of all ages.
Not only bringing our community together and spreading that festive spirit, but the structure has attracted attendance of around 1.6 million people over the last six years.
People will still be able to visit the tree in person in a COVID safe way with a new community celebration planned for late November.
Alongside the arrival of the tree, the Central Geelong Christmas Trail will also return for 2020, adorning City streets with lighting, baubles and stars, as well as a Christmas-themed Catenary Star, and the ever-popular school Christmas Trees.
Festive projections are also planned for City Hall and Shorts Place, in central Geelong, the Christmas Waterfront Makers & Growers Market will be held in Steampacket Gardens (subject to restrictions) and a new Greater Geelong Christmas Roadtrip will be introduced, featuring decorations and experiences across 24 locations throughout the municipality.
City of Greater Geelong CEO Martin Cutter said whilst due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions the City would not be hosting any major events, there would still be bundles of Christmas cheer to spread throughout the Greater Geelong community
“As with just about everything in 2020, because of COVID our Christmas celebrations are going to be unlike any other year. Our focus has been on making this Christmas season special and inclusive of everybody in our community,” Mr Cutter said.
“In addition to Christmas favourites to be delivered in a COVID-safe way, this year we are introducing the Greater Geelong Christmas Roadtrip, inviting community members from all over the municipality to explore the region and get involved in local festivities.”
For more information, visit City of Greater Geelong.
