Blackpool's 40ft Christmas tree toppled by Storm Bella

The £5,000 tree was blown down on Saturday night as high winds whipped across the Fylde coast.

Storm Bella saw winds reach 80mph in some parts of the country.

Workers from the council’s Illuminations department inspected the tree and removed it for repair.

The artificial tree is one of two, the other being 30ft tall, which were bought this year by the council in partnership with the Blackpool BID (Business Improvement District).

A council spokesperson said the downed tree would be repaired for use next year, and in subsequent years, but has been replaced with a real tree for the remainder of this year’s festive season.

Michael Williams, chairman of Blackpool BID, said : “The high winds, as a consequence of storm Bella on Boxing Day night damaged the Christmas tree in St John’s Square.

“The illuminations team attended the site at the earliest opportunity to make the tree safe and prevent further damage.

“The tree proved to be very popular with BID members and shoppers and it looked amazing on the many social media photographs that have been circulating the internet”

The tree was the centrepiece of this year’s Christmas lights in Blackpool, designed to create a festive atmosphere for shoppers.

Mr Williams said the 40ft tree had been chosen to create an impressive feature against the backdrop of St John’s Church.

Blackpool Illuminations, which are remaining switched on until January 3 this year, escaped serious damage during Storm Bella, with just a small amount of repairs needed to the Circus feature.

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