MITIE ensures lights switch on in Trafalgar Square

17 December 2008

Behind the scenes preparations for the successful lighting up of the traditional Christmas tree in Trafagar Square watched by millions was down to the M&E team from MITIE.

Each year since 1947, a Christmas tree has been given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II. For many Londoners the Christmas tree and carol singing in Trafalgar Square signal the countdown to Christmas.

This year, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony was on Thursday 4 December 2008, and MITIE was on-hand to make sure that everything worked as planned. MITIE provides mechanical and electrical maintenance for the GLA and support any events such as the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

MITIE’s team spent three weeks helping to prepare for the event spraying lights black and installing them on lamp posts around Trafalgar Square as well as changing all 700 bulbs on the famous Christmas tree lights. It was also MITIE’s responsibility to install a remote control system for both fountains & perimeter lights so that the representative of the Norwegian ambassador could turn them all on at the flick of a switch.

At 18.00, the lights were switched on and the ceremony went exactly as planned. Carol-singing led by the Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields filled the air and the MITIE team relaxed after a job well done, knowing that they had played their part in a very successful celebration.