It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, now that Ashburton’s Christmas tree is sitting proudly on display in Baring Square East.

If you find setting up and decorating your tree at home a big job, then spare a thought for the team from EA Networks who needed a full day with a cherry picker to assemble the town’s six metre tree, adorned with around 600 baubles.

Mayor Neil Brown’s office overlooks the tree, and he says it’s great to see it back in its original home in Baring Square East.

“It looks absolutely fantastic in our newly redeveloped Baring Square against the backdrop of our clocktower and the new Library and Civic Centre.

“It gives our town that true festive feel and sets the stage beautifully for the Light Up the Night celebration, where we’ll all gather to see it light up.”

Light Up the Night is taking place this Saturday from 6pm around the town tree, it will be an opportunity to welcome in the festive season with an evening of music, live entertainment, and food.

Santa and his elves will be mixing with the crowd and posing for photos, there will also be free face-painting and balloon twisting for the kids. Those visiting are encouraged to dress festively and capture the moment with some free snaps in iHeart Radio photo booth.

There will also be plenty of tasty food on offer, with a food court and 199 Café in the library staying open late.
On the stage, the Christmas spirit will be well and truly alive, with a lineup of local talent including Libby Higson, Murran Carter-Buller, the Decibels Choir and performers from Life Dance Academy.

Mayor Neil Brown says that evening will culminate with the lighting of the tree at around 9.15pm.

“Hokonui has been running a competition to find the lucky young person that will join me on stage to push the button and light up the tree.”

“We hope to see everyone there, it’s going to be a great night for the whole family and a chance to celebrate Christmas together as a community.”

The event is proudly supported by the Ashburton Courier and Hokonui. Find out more at lightupthenight.co.nz