GEELONG’S glittering Christmas tree has been moved into place on the waterfront overnight.
The 27-metre steel and aluminium structure, with 11,000 moving metal discs and 500-plus metres of programmable LEDs, will be lit up for the public this Friday evening.
Designed by Creative Productions Services’ Keith Courtney and built by Geelong’s Hanlon Industries, the 15-tonne tree is fixed to a barge anchored at four points in the mini-harbour between Cunningham Pier and the Carousel.
It is expected to be lit up amid great fanfare including a choreographed display by renowned lighting expert Philip Lethlean, a Dixieland jazz band and a sea-borne arrival by Santa Claus.
The tree is tipped to boost Geelong’s tourism by some $18 million with a marketing fillip worth $20 million — a total of $38 million.
— NOEL MURPHY
