The grand reveal of the St Pancras tree took place last week, and as always, there’s a distinctly festive feel to the whole affair that allows us to forget about the stresses of recent years, just for a moment. This year, however, they’ve gone for a slightly unconventional approach. Though it’s still being referred to a Christmas tree, it might be fair to say it’s more a Christmas skyline (resembling London, of course).
The tree has been designed in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, and was welcomed in by a 40-person strong Pop Choir belting out Christmas carols around the new installation. Other festive performances from Charlote Jane and Kayaan Lewis followed, before presenter and Prince’s Trust ambassador Gaby Roslin officially unveiled the tree.
Over the next few weeks, visitors can spend the festive season learning more about the work of The Prince’s Trust in helping young people gain confidence and skills for work, and give to the charity.
Any donations will help The Prince’s Trust carry out their work in communities across the UK, and the St Pancras Tree’s design hopes to raise this awareness in a bid to help more people through the cost of living crisis. It towers over the station at 33 feet, and includes silhouettes of London’s skyline across 80 hand-illustrated buildings. Look closely and you’ll spot terrace houses, department stores, a ferris wheel, concert venues, and more in a design that’s heavily inspired by the 1955 production of “Twelfth Day Of Christmas”.
Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust, said: “As the economic
climate continues to change around us, young people in the UK today are facing a unique set of circumstances, impacting their education, employment, and wellbeing.
“We hope that the generous donation of the tree by St. Pancras International will not only raise awareness and crucial funds for The Class of Covid but will inspire more of the public to give their support to ensure young people across the UK can take control of their lives and build a positive future.”
Read more about The Prince’s Trust here, and donate to their JustGiving page.
Catch the St Pancras International tree throughout the festive season.
Also published on Medium.