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Admiring the tree are new BID manager Luke Crane, Marks & Spencer store manager Kathy Roper, and Gordon Stenton, managing director of John Lewis
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Broad Street's looking tree-lightful

November 14, 2012

The lights on the Broad Street tree have passed their last-minute twinkle test in readiness for Christmas coming to town on Saturday afternoon.

The festive season will be launched in glittering style when the lights go on across the Broad Street Mall, The Oracle and the town centre – and it promises to be a stunning wonderland.

Reading’s Business Improvement District (BID) has paid for a new lighting scheme with a winter garden theme.

Shoppers will be thrilled when they see the intricate leaf and floral patterns, and look up at the canopy of white lights over Broad Street.

New BID manager Luke Crane was joined by BID chairman Gordon Stenton and Reading UK CIC’s chairman Steve Belam at the Broad Street tree yesterday.

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Most recent user comments 15 of 15

Yeah - the lights and the tree are absolutely what lets down the look of the town centre.

Nowtas, West Berkshire
15/11/2012 at 10:20

@ Torqemada

Classiest? I believe the word you were looking for was "tackiest" or "cheapest" or "coldest-looking" or "least-festive".

Pffft "classiest" pah !

David Williams, Reading
15/11/2012 at 07:30

The blue and white scheme was the classiest set that Reading Town Centre has ever had. Shame people have no imagination.

Torqemada, Reading
14/11/2012 at 20:25

Like a nice 20 ft tree covered in decorations and lights etc. Remember them?

Hugh J, Reading
14/11/2012 at 11:15

@ Hugh - I agree.

Come on GR how about a proper campaign for a good traditional Christmas in Reading?

David Williams, Reading
14/11/2012 at 11:11

It looks horrible. When I first walked past it my initial thought was that some vandals had spray painted one of the trees.

I agree with some of the other posts. How about some traditional non PC decorations for a change?

Hugh J, Reading
14/11/2012 at 11:06

@ Common well I for one shall be celebrating Santas birthday in the traditional manner on 25th December bless him.

David Williams, Reading
14/11/2012 at 10:47

@ Fish that may or may not be so, however following the footer team is very 'niche' and the RBC Christmas Decorations should be for the whole town not just a few rowdies and galahs.

David Williams, Reading
14/11/2012 at 10:43

I always thought the blue and white lights were fitting for the town, being our football teams colours and all.

Fishlips
14/11/2012 at 10:21

I don't like the cold blue lights, but I do like simple white lights. We've been watching the lights going up over the last few weeks and I have to admit the excitement is mounting.

Also - as I understand it, the term Xmas has been used for Christmas for 100s of years if not more so it is not a secular invention at all nor is it a ruse to 'deChristmastise' Christmas.

Common Cents, Reading
14/11/2012 at 10:15

Would this be the "traditional" colour scheme invented by that American fizzy drink company?

** retires after lighting touch paper**

Nah, on second thoughts, there is a reason behind this. They often use blue lighting on airport runways. This is obviously a kind of marker beacon to guide the aliens in with. Broad street runs east-west, and our visitors from Caraldaeus 4 will have to will have to use this in order to avoid the Heathrow flightpath, and the traffic lights at rose Kiln Lane. ;)

ray northstander
14/11/2012 at 09:15

@ I Ron

I understand it is only, the crass "Xmas" if you have non-traditional Christmas decorations.

RBC is clearly an "Xmas" kinda Council.

How disappointing - Santa Clause would be turning in his grave.

I can't imagine Diwali with twinkly blue and white bloody leds as opposed to proper traditional candles.

David Williams, Reading
14/11/2012 at 08:52

Only forty-six shopping days until Christmas (or Xmas)

I Ron
14/11/2012 at 08:43

#rdg Your idea of "Christmas Decorations" is just plain weird. It makes the place look and feel cold and uninviting.

Tip: Use Christmas colours - red, gold, yellow, green

We want traditionally decorated shops and streets for Christmas please RBC

Peace and Love

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