Every year since 1947 the city of Oslo has given a Christmas tree to the people of London in gratitude for British support during World War II. This symbol of Anglo-Norwegian friendship is displayed in Trafalgar Square, and this year the tree is going to be wrapped in poetry.

Two new poems have been commissioned by the Poetry Society, and by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, to be displayed until 23^rd December on specially created decorative panels encircling the tree.

Poet Kevin Crossley-Holland presents a new version of one of Norway’s most popular poems, ‘Snø og granskog’ (Snow and Spruce Forest) by Tarjei Vesaas; whilst ‘Tree Song’ by Kit Wright, is based on lines, images, and ideas from poems by children at fifteen different Westminster primary schools, written as part of a project to celebrate the City of Oslo’s annual gift. The children worked with poets Kevin Crossley-Holland and Coral Rumble, exploring cultural, historical, and environmental themes suggested by the Norwegian tree. The resulting 369 poems were then sent on to Kit Wright to inspire his poem.

The poems will be printed in colours which evoke northern forests, will extend to 34.6 linear metres, and it will be possible to read them from every corner of the square! They will also form a novel backdrop to the carol singing sessions in the square until December 23^rd.

The initiative looks set to be repeated next year, and the hope is that it will extend to other cities around the U.K. and become an ongoing Christmas tradition.

To find out more about The Poetry Society you can visit their website at:

www.poetrysociety.org.uk