Geelong's iconic Floating Christmas Tree arrived at Steampacket Quay this morning, welcomed by homegrown entertainer Denis Walter OAM.
As we celebrate over a decade of our beloved tree, the giant structure was towed from St Helens across Corio Bay into the quay in calm conditions at 8.15am, dazzling bystanders.
At 25 metres tall, the tree features 800 lights, more than 15,000 pixels to create animations and 30 new digital windows.
It sits atop a stylish and larger heli-pad barge, adding an additional 1.5 metres to its ultimate height.
It took 20 people at Hanlon Industries, Total Events and Elstone Diving Services to assemble the 14-tonne tree over six weeks at St Helen's breakwater in North Geelong.
There are just days left until the tree is officially switched on at 'Christmas Opening Night - Denis Walter Carols by the Bay' this Saturday 30 November, delivered by the City and Denis Walter OAM.
This special event at Steampacket Gardens, guided by musical director Michael Cristiano, will kick off with a preshow and Team Dream kids' entertainment, before performances from Denis Walter, Oz Boyz, Lucy Riddett, Julie Walter and Santa.
The night will culminate with a lucky child selected to flick the switch and light the spectacular Floating Christmas Tree, triggering low-level pyrotechnics and the start of the first sound and light show program.
The tree's shows will play each night every 15 minutes between 8:30pm and midnight, running six minutes long.
There are two different shows to enjoy over the festive period, with the second show beginning on Boxing Day and running until the tree's last day on Tuesday 7 January – coinciding with Orthodox Christmas.
Community members can get creative by changing the colours of the tree between sound and light shows.
As part of 'Christmas Nights at The Carousel,' we are holding family-friendly sound and light shows on 14 and 21 December from 5.30pm, catering to community members who find the normal 8.30pm start time too late.
CEO Ali Wastie
The tree is a beacon of hope and symbol of unity.Our magical Floating Christmas Tree is the centrepiece of the City's Christmas in Geelong festivities.
Its return to the bay marks the arrival of a special time in our region that attracts visitors from across Victoria.
We're thrilled that this popular tree brings community members of all ages so much joy and invite you to witness the lighting at this Saturday's 'Christmas Opening Night - Denis Walter Carols by the Bay.'
The floating tree encourages us to come together to celebrate the spirit of giving and goodwill.
When you visit the Floating Christmas Tree, don't forget to tag your stunning pics on social media with the hashtag #GEELONGCHRISTMAS.
Denis Walter
I cannot wait to welcome the festive season to Geelong with my Carols By The Bay moving to Steampacket Gardens and celebrating the lighting of the Floating Christmas Tree.Geelong is "Christmas Central" on November 30!
