THERE is some consternation around Canberra that the enormous Christmas Tree often seen in Civic Square has been downsized to a ten metre one on City Walk.

We can, at least, report that Civic Square has been taken over by a vast trampoline park which looks tremendously more fun than any winking tree.

In addition of course Petrie Plaza has been caged off for weeks to allow for a collossal collection of Christmas lights in a world record attempt.

When camels are added to the mix it’s hard to really claim we’re getting dudded for Christmas in Canberra this year.

“This year the City Centre Christmas displays will be combined into the one space to allow families to easily see a 10 metre high Christmas tree as well as the SIDS and Kids Christmas lights display and the activities being coordinated by the Canberra CBD Ltd along City Walk,” Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said.

“In previous years the different activities have been scattered across the City with the giant tree located in Civic Square. This year we have been working collaboratively with the organisers, the charity SIDS and Kids, on the massive lights display in Petrie Plaza and the Canberra CBD Ltd to bring the celebrations together in a central location.

The government owned Christmas tree which has previously been erected on an annual basis in Civic Square will be retired as it has reached the end of its life and options for a Christmas tree in future years are being investigated.

“The government will seek ideas from the community, particularly children about what they would like to see on the program for 2015. I look forward to seeing Canberrans get out and enjoy the Christmas cheer that this year’sattractions will provide,” the Chief Minister concluded.

The SIDS and Kids world record lights display will be switched on by the Chief Minister on 28 November 2014.