Since the very early days of Pagan festivals, trees have provided a source of light and hope for generations of people whose beliefs were firmly rooted in the changing of the seasons, the working of the land and the messages of their respective gods.

Today, the Christmas tree represents the modern view of Christmas: twinkling lights, gifts from loved ones, precious decorations kept over the years now taking their place upon a branch. They evoke memories, provide joy, and offer endless excitement for little ones at home.

But what about Bodmin’s Christmas trees?...‍

Bodmin Town Council’s preparations for Christmas lights and trees‍

Preparations for Bodmin’s much-loved Christmas lights and trees take place throughout the year to ensure the town looks its very best for the festive season.

Each February, the town council team visits Stacey’s Christmas Tree Farm in Holsworthy to carefully select the Christmas trees that will be displayed on Mount Folly, the Town Wall and the White Clock. The Nordmann Fir is the preferred choice, as it provides the fullness and traditional shape that helps to bring festive cheer to the town.

•Mount Folly – A tree that is particularly full, bushy and will grow to around 24 feet in height, is selected. While the trees are slightly smaller in February, the team knows they will be just the right size by the time of the big switch-on.

•The Town Wall –A slimmer tree is chosen for this location due to the space available, but it is still of a similar height to the Folly and White Clock’s trees.

•The White Clock –This tree is selected to match the Folly tree in both size and style, helping to create a balanced festive display across the town.

Once chosen, the trees are tagged and left to grow until later in the year. Victoria Heavy Haulage in Roche then transports them to Bodmin with the assistance of the Estates Team, who ensure they are securely placed in position.

To bring the display to life, Nationwide Platforms provide both a cherry picker and a truck mounted cherry picker to the Estates Team, who then decorate the trees, working tirelessly over a two-week period, often in all weather conditions, to ensure everything is ready in time for the switch-on celebrations. The Christmas lights are also tested regularly throughout the year and again nearer the time to make sure the entire display runs smoothly and shines brightly for all to enjoy.

Bodmin Town Council is proud to invest so much care and attention into these preparations, helping to create a magical atmosphere that brings the community together during the festive season.

‍