Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan has declared the city “the Christmas capital of the globe” after thousands of people turned out for Saturday night’s Lighting of the Tree on the waterfront.
Parents and children gasped in delight as the lights were turned on to mark the “official” start of the Christmas season in Geelong, as fireworks soared over Corio Bay.
Newly-appointed City of Greater Geelong Chief Executive Alie Wastie said her first visit to the annual event had left her gob-smacked.
“I knew Christmas in Geelong was big,” she told Geelong Broadcasters.
“But this has absolutely blown me away! “My expectations have been superceded, it has been the most wonderful night.”
Mayor Trent Sullivan was even more effusive.
“Once again the City of Greater Geelong, all of the residents here, we’ve proven we are the Christmas capital, not of the nation but of the globe,” he said.
“What a turnout, what a display, and it looks fantastic.”
Ms Hastie said the size of the crowd took her by surprise.
“Seeing thousands of people out here, the Christmas tree go up, I can’t wait to see people revel in this right up until January 6 (when the Christmas tree returns to storage).
“Businesses are going to benefit from this, and it’s just so good to see smiles on people’s faces.”
Ms Hastie said the festive season, and the way Geelong celebrates, is “iconic” among council staff.
“We talk about it a lot in the lead-up, it’s really important and there’s a lot of logistics around it. We’re really proud of it, and the team that do all of this work to put on this event, I can’t thank them enough.”
Visitors to the waterfront can view the tree’s sound and light show, which runs for approximately six minutes and plays every 15 minutes between 8.30pm and midnight.
The current show is the first of three that will play over the Christmas/New year period. The second will commence on December 2, while the third will begin on Boxing Day.
Between each six minute show, visitors are able to control the colours of the tree and its star via a dedicated interactive website.
