Sissel Lights Up London

The lighting of the traditional Norwegian Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square will take place tonight.

The tree, usually a spruce over 80 feet tall, is an annual gift from Norway to thank Britain for its help during the Second World War.

Platinum-selling Scandinavian singer Sissel, the haunting voice on the Titanic soundtrack, and the Oslo Cathedral Boys Choir will perform seasonal music in the square from 5pm.

At 6pm the tree will be lit in a ceremony attended by Oslo mayor Per Ditlev-Simonsen.

The public can then join in a carol singing procession, led by the boys' choir and that of St Martin-in-the-Fields, the chapel on the square.

For the second year the tree will from the backdrop of a free programme of carol singing in the square, starting on 3 December. Many choirs will take part in the daily ritual, from 5pm to 9pm, to raise money for charity.

The tree will remain in Trafalgar Square until 6 January, the Twelfth Night of Christmas.

Last year's lights were powered by green energy from a hydrogen fuel cell, while the tree itself was recycled after being taken down.