GEELONG’S floating Christmas tree will light up Corio Bay again from 13 November.
Mayor Darryn Lyons said he was looking forward to the tree’s return to the waterfront after its big debut last year.
“I really hope tens of thousands of people join us for the opening night because the excitement of the kids and the smiles on everyone’s faces is what this is all about,” Cr Lyons said.
The tree will feature a new light show synchronised to a contemporary Christmas carols by various artists.
The show would start about 9:15pm, Cr Lyons said.
He labelled the tree’s tourism and economic benefits as “crucial” for Geelong.
“Almost 250,000 came into the CBD to see the central Geelong Christmas activities (last year). Meanwhile, the broader central Geelong Christmas activities generated an estimated $18 million windfall for our economy.
“Social media was also in a frenzy, with #GeelongChristmas attracting 79 million impressions on Twitter, two million on Instagram, and 6.4 million on Facebook.”
Some of the mayor’s council colleagues have criticised the cost of the Christmas tree, with no guarantees it will return on water next year.Council recently agreed to provide extra funding for the tree to cover increased storage, installation and other management costs.
The tree will be in place on Geelong’s waterfront until 3 January.
