Council replaces 'sorry-looking' christmas tree after locals mock festive flop
The 25ft fir was meant to bring festive cheer to Darwen Market Square, but residents were less than impressed. Now council bosses have promised a replacement before the town's big Christmas lights switch-on.
Council bosses have been left red-faced after Darwen's Christmas tree was branded a festive flop by residents who were less than impressed with its scruffy appearance.
The 25ft fir was installed in Darwen Market Square, Lancashire, ahead of the town's Christmas lights switch-on. But instead of spreading festive cheer, its sparse branches, brown patches and large gaps in the foliage quickly attracted ridicule. Some locals compared the tree to a drunken pub-goer, while others wondered whether the council had only been supplied with half of one.
Councillor Matt Jackson said he was alerted to the problem after a resident sent him a photograph with the caption: “This is truly terrible.” He said: “I just got a text about the tree that basically said 'what the hell is that?'. It's quite a sorry-looking tree. I thought it might look better if the branches dropped slightly and it got decorated. But the more I looked at it, the more I thought: crickey.”
The council has admitted the tree was a disappointment and confirmed it would be replaced ahead of Saturday's (November 14) festive celebrations. A spokesperson for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: “How many times have you ordered something, only for it to arrive and not be quite what you were expecting? Sadly, this has happened to us with the Christmas tree for Darwen Market Square.”
The authority said its contractor had agreed to provide a replacement at no extra cost, with the new tree expected to be installed on Wednesday.
Residents were quick to share their verdicts online. One joked: “That's one sad tree. How much was it? A fiver?” Another compared it to someone who had enjoyed a few drinks before making their way into the square, while a third simply asked: “Where's the other half?” There was also some sympathy for the unfortunate fir, with one person commenting: “Poor tree, stop all this body shaming!”
The council insisted months of preparation had gone into securing a festive centrepiece for the town. It said: “Of course, we want Darwen to have a beautiful tree in the Market Square. We plan months in advance to make sure we secure the best tree available.”
Thousands of visitors are expected in the square for the Christmas lights switch-on. The celebrations will feature live music, festive markets, fairground rides and family entertainment.