So how much fir does it take to zhoosh up the Canberra Christmas tree? Oh, just a lazy 1.5 kilometres.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Canberra's Christmas lights man, David Richards, bought the extra greenery from China to bolster the tree for some world-record-beating lights, set to be lit up on November 27.
A working bee next month will see a team of volunteers refresh all 220 branches of the 22-metre Christmas tree using the extra fir and nearly 5000 cable ties.
The additional greenery is needed as the city prepares to wallop the previous world record for the most number of lights on an artificial Christmas tree, with Japan holding the record with a tree at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka last year sporting 364,200 illuminated bulbs.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr helped to tie the first piece of fir on Friday.
This Monday will see the start of work to install the tree and lights tunnel along City Walk, near The Canberra Times fountain. The area will be a fenced-off construction zone for about five weeks, but pedestrian access will be maintained.
Money raised from gold coin donations by visitors to the lights will go to SIDS and Kids ACT to support local families experiencing the tragic loss of a baby or child; and to provide Safe Sleeping education classes to new and expectant parents and carers.
Mr Barr said the Christmas lights and associated festival and possible world record would be a boost for the city.
"It is great to see so many Canberrans volunteering their time to help refurbish the Canberra Christmas tree. It's going to look fantastic and be a wonderful addition to the city over Christmas. It will also help raise money for a worthy cause, so I encourage Canberrans to support it," he said.
"Another world record attempt could really help put Canberra on the map and a place in the record books would be a great Christmas present for our city.
"In addition to bringing a festive feel to the city, these initiatives also give our businesses a boost in the vital Christmas trading period, so there is an important economic perspective too."
After Mr Barr turns on the lights on November 27, a Christmas concert will follow from 6pm to 10pm and feature Canberra's The Voice finalist Amber Nichols, Play School presenter Jay Laga'aia, the Grinch and Santa. The tunnel will feature an interactive display filled with LED 2D and 3D motifs individually themed to the 12 days of Christmas.
