As the autumn leaves fall and the nights draw in, there’s a special sparkle beginning to light up Wisbech. The town is once again preparing for a festive season with its now famous £40,000 “balls of light” Christmas tree already taking centre stage in the Market Square.
Once “retired” by Peterborough, the striking metal tree — beautifully designed from shining silver spheres — has found new life and love in Wisbech. For the fifth year running, the stunning structure stands proudly in the heart of town.
The tree’s journey to Wisbech is now the stuff of local legend. After Peterborough City Council decided to part ways with the modern art-style tree in 2019, Wisbech Town Council leader Councillor Samantha Hoy stepped in with what one report called “ballsy negotiations,” securing the tree for free.
What was once a controversial purchase elsewhere has become a beloved fixture here. “Peterborough’s loss is Wisbech’s gain,” one news story declared.
Already, excitement is building for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On, set to take place on Sunday 30th November from 3pm to 6pm. The Town Council has confirmed that this year’s event will be “bigger and better than ever,” with a packed programme of entertainment and festive treats.
Families can look forward to live performances from Nine Lives Theatre Company, a fun-filled snow park, and the much-anticipated arrival of Father Christmas, who will be handing out sweets to children.
The council is also calling on the local business community to play their part in making the event shine.
“Wisbech Town Council is looking to local businesses to help sponsor the event,” the latest press release announced, with all funds going directly toward making the celebration “bigger and better than ever.”
Sponsorship levels range from £100 to £1,000, with benefits including public thanks from the Mayor, name placement on posters, and even personal visits of appreciation for major sponsors.
“All the money pledged will be used to make the event bigger and better than ever,” the council reiterated.
As the gleaming “bauble tree” prepares to light up the Market Square once more, Wisbech’s preparations for Christmas are well underway.
Background of artificial tree given to Wisbech
Peterborough gave its unpopular artificial Christmas tree to Wisbech in late 2019/early 2020 because it was unpopular in Peterborough and the city council no longer wanted the cost of storing it.
The metal tree, often described as a “glass bauble tree” or “bubble wrap” tree came to Wisbech after Peterborough City Council decided to replace it with a traditional real tree after public dislike for the modern design.
The council spent £40,000 on the 10m artificial tree in 2015 – including the tree’s delivery, removal and storage. They intended it would be replaced in 2020 but decided to dispose of it a year early.
