takes place on the first Thursday in December and is attended by thousands of people. The ceremony, led by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, includes a band and choir followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights. Traditionally, the tree provides a focal point for Christmas carolling groups. For many in London, the tree and the accompanying carolling signals the countdown to Christmas. Since 2009, the Poetry Society has commissioned new poems annually for display on banners around the base of the tree. In 2010, schoolchildren also performed one of the poems at the lighting-up ceremony. References External links LONDON.GOV.UK - Christmas in Trafalgar Square Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree on Twitter 1947 establishments in England 1947 introductions Aftermath of World War II in the United Kingdom Christmas in England Christmas in the United Kingdom Diplomatic gifts Flora of Norway Individual Christmas trees Individual trees in England Norway–United Kingdom relations Christmas tree