The legendary singing Christmas tree at the Trafford Centre has been axed

After over a decade of festivities, the Trafford Centre’s famous singing Christmas tree has this year been given the chop. 

The Christmas lights at the three-floor shopping centre were switched on last weekend, but the huge Christmas tree that is usually seen trilling festive songs to children and shoppers near Waterstones was nowhere to be seen.

And now, the shopping centre’s bosses have confirmed that the tree – which has both delighted and terrified children over the years – will not be returning for 2021, having being officially put into ‘retirement’.

Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia Commons

Explaining the tree’s absence this year, Trafford Centre director Zoe Inman told the Manchester Evening News: “After many years of service, our singing Christmas tree is taking well deserved retirement.

“We hope visitors enjoy the rest of our spectacular Christmas lights across the malls, including an enormous sparkling chandelier in the Main Dome.”

But the absence of the famed tree isn’t deterring the Trafford Centre’s Christmas spirits; a full programme of Tinsel Town festive events are set to be announced later this week, including a Christmas Grotto, fairground rides and an ice skating rink.

Extended opening hours at the centre have also been confirmed this week, with shops opening an hour earlier from 9am from Monday December 11th, as well as four days of late-night shopping the week before Christmas from Monday December 20th to Thursday December 23rd.

Chemical Engineer / Wikimedia Commons

And if you’re still feeling a bit down in the dumps over the absence of the tree, fear not! Because the Trafford Centre has organised an extra special addition for this weekend only – Squid Game’s animatronic killer doll.

Yep, the sinister doll from the South Korean series – which is now the most watched in Netflix’s history – is currently on a tour of the UK and will be arriving at the Trafford Centre on Saturday, November 6th.

Shoppers will be able to interact with the doll, take photos and videos, and receive Squid Game memorabilia and tokens from the armed guards (don’t worry, actual death isn’t guaranteed).

Visit the Trafford Centre website for more information on what they have lined up for the festive period.