A 25ft Christmas tree installed in Darwen Market Square has drawn ridicule from local residents, who have compared its sparse, drooping branches and brown patches to a drunken pub-goer. Blackburn with Darwen Council has acknowledged the tree is a disappointment and pledged to replace it before the town's festive celebrations this weekend.
Residents unimpressed by tree's appearance
Locals were quick to criticise the tree's condition, with some questioning its cost and others joking about its state. One resident said: "That's one sad tree. How much was it? A fiver?" Another commented: "It's been in the Bridge for a few pints before staggering to the square." A third added: "Where's the other half?"
Councillor Matt Jackson said he was first alerted to the tree when a resident sent him a photograph with the caption "this is truly terrible." He said: "I just got a text about the tree that basically said 'what the hell is that?'. It's quite a sorry-looking tree. I thought it might look better if the branches dropped slightly and it got decorated. But the more I looked at it, the more I thought: crickey."
Council promises replacement at no extra cost
In a statement on social media, Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "How many times have you ordered something, only for it to arrive and not be quite what you were expecting? Sadly, this has happened to us with the Christmas tree for Darwen Market Square."
The council confirmed its contractor had agreed to provide a replacement at no extra cost, with the new tree expected to be installed on Wednesday. It added that it had spent months preparing to make sure Darwen had the best possible festive centrepiece. They added: "Of course, we want Darwen to have a beautiful tree in the Market Square. We plan months in advance to make sure we secure the best tree available."
Festive events to go ahead this weekend
Darwen's Christmas Lights Switch On is scheduled for Saturday November 14, featuring headline act ULTRABEAT, TikTok star Max Balegde, festive markets, fairground rides, family entertainment and a spectacular fire show. The replacement tree is expected to be in place ahead of these celebrations.
