March Town Council Seeks Another Distinctive Christmas Tree

A town council has requested a second “wonky” Christmas tree, following the global attention garnered by last year’s leaning specimen. The 9-meter (30-foot) festive tree, characterized by its bent trunk, was installed in March, Cambridgeshire, in 2023 and was initially regarded as “embarrassing” by local inhabitants. The tree attracted media attention globally, evolving into a symbol of “being different and being accepted.” Elveden Instant Hedging & Christmas Trees, the supplier of the previous year’s tree, stated that it could “not make any promises” regarding the provision of another leaning tree for the current year. Locals reported that the distinctive Christmas tree from the previous year garnered international notice and “put March on the map.” Although initially compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and subject to mockery upon its installation, it ultimately provided an unforeseen benefit to the Fenland community. Sarah Lemmon, 50, the clerk for March Town Council, recounted receiving messages from friends in Australia and New Zealand who had learned about the tree, with others erecting their own “wonky” trees in a gesture of solidarity. Lemmon stated, “The fairy tale had a happy ending – the moral being, to accept things that are not quite perfect.” She added, “We can all be a bit wonky in one way or another… overwhelmingly people were very happy, many have asked for a quirky tree this year.” She also noted, “I have had about 50 inquiries in the last month asking if we are going to get a wonky tree again.” Elveden Instant Hedging & Christmas Trees commented, “The tree itself wasn’t wonky as such, it had a bulbous part to the skirt that once it was installed into the socket, it meant the tree appeared to be leaning.” The company further explained, “A wonky tree is not usually in our remit, and is certainly quite hard to find. March have requested if we could supply a ‘wonky’ tree this year, but as most spruce trees grow quite straight, we cannot make any promises.” Due to a significant 18-month town redevelopment project, now in its concluding phases, the upcoming Christmas tree will be relocated from Market Square to the recently pedestrianized section of Broad Street, positioned between the War Memorial and the Coronation Fountain. The town’s Christmas tree lights will be illuminated on 29 November.