Not Quite Tree-mendous! Darwen Promised New Christmas Tree After Residents React

Darwen’s Christmas tree hasn’t quite received the warmest of welcomes, but there’s good news for residents after Blackburn with Darwen Council confirmed that a replacement is on its way ahead of Saturday’s big Christmas Lights Switch-On.

The tree, recently installed in Darwen Market Square, attracted plenty of attention on social media after residents noticed that its branches were looking rather sparse.

And while Christmas trees often take a little time to settle and spread their branches after being transported, this one hasn’t quite lived up to expectations.

Fortunately, the council agrees.

In a good-humoured Facebook post headed “Oh, Christmas Tree…”, Blackburn with Darwen Council acknowledged that the tree wasn’t looking quite as it had hoped.

“How many times have you ordered something, only for it to arrive and not be quite what you were expecting?” the council asked.

“Sadly, this has happened to us with the Christmas tree for Darwen Market Square.

“And while the branches have started to open up, like you, we’re still not happy with how it looks.”

A new tree is on its way

The good news is that the council has already contacted its contractor, who has assured officers that the tree will be replaced in plenty of time to be decorated for the Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 14 November.

Even better, the replacement will be provided at no extra cost.

The council explained that preparations for the town’s Christmas tree begin months in advance to secure the best available tree.

“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.

“Thank you for bearing with us while we get it sorted!”

Residents see the funny side

The tree has certainly given Darwen residents something to talk about, with the council’s Facebook announcement attracting a stream of humorous comments.

One resident suggested the tree had simply been through a difficult year, while another joked that it probably had a lovely personality.

Others compared it to a bargain online purchase, suggested giving it a Grinch-themed makeover or wondered whether it had visited the pub before arriving in Market Square.

Not everyone was unhappy with the tree, however. Some residents said they liked its natural appearance, while others questioned whether it should be replaced rather than given a chance.

The council joined in with some of the humour while reassuring residents that a replacement was being arranged.

Responding to suggestions that Blackburn might receive a better tree, the council commented: “We think both towns deserve a beautiful Christmas tree.”

All set for Saturday’s celebrations

With a replacement now promised, attention can return to Darwen’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 14 November.

The event will feature a full day of festive entertainment, Christmas shopping, family activities and live performances, with dance act Ultrabeat and vocalist Rebecca Rudd topping the bill.

Darwen Market Square will host the celebrations, which also include fairground rides, an Elf Trail, Father Christmas storytelling and a fire spectacular.

And, all being well, there will be a rather fuller Christmas tree taking centre stage when the lights go on.

Darwen’s festive celebrations are just around the corner, and while the first tree might not have been quite what everyone expected, it has certainly given the town a few laughs along the way.