Rhyl’s ‘skinny’ Christmas tree sparks debate among residents

A newly-arrived 30ft Norwegian Spruce on Rhyl High Street has prompted mixed reactions from residents, with some calling it “beautiful” while others criticise it for being too “skinny”.

The tree is currently being decorated ahead of the town’s Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday, but its slender appearance has sparked conversation both on the street and on social media.

Catherine Oliver, 33, told BBC News Wales: “It looks like it’s been on the Mounjaro diet! My Christmas tree’s a little bit more bushy than that, and it’s only 5ft tall. I think the top’s okay – it’s not too bad up there – but it could be a bit fatter.”

Andy Pendleton, 60, said: “If this is how it’s going to end up looking, then I think Rhyl could have done better. They spent enough money along the seafront – so at least at the festive time of year they could have put a tree in that looks a bit more decent, and a few extra lights from what I’m seeing so far.”

Sarah Pendleton, 56, told BBC News Wales the tree was “a bit sparse”, adding that last year’s tree “did have a bit more meat on it”.

Sabrina Jones, 45, echoed her thoughts: “It’s downgraded from what it was last year, most definitely. It was a lot bushier last year. [It is] very underwhelming, especially for the little ones.”

However, Wendy Foulkes, 68, defended the tree, telling BBC News Wales: “I think it’s a beautiful tree, it’s a lovely size and it’s a perfect shape considering that we don’t have a massive area to commute through.”

On social media, one person described it as a “Temu tree”, referencing the online budget retailer, whilst another said they had seen “dogs dragging bigger branches”. However, one supporter wrote: “At least we have a tree,” adding they were confident “it will look great once all the lights and decorations are on it”.

A Rhyl Town Council spokesperson explained that a “particularly wet” 2024 growing season, followed by an intense dry period, had “hampered growth, leading to trees which are not as full as in previous years”.

The spokesperson added: “That shouldn’t make them any less impactful or detract from the joy of a real Christmas tree,” noting that lights and decorations could make a significant difference to the overall effect.