A Shrewsbury leisure business is bringing some much-needed festive cheer to the town during the Covid-19 lockdown by erecting a giant, decorated Christmas tree weeks earlier than normal.

Leisure company Salop Leisure switched on the lights on the impressive 40 feet tall Christmas tree, which is located alongside the Emstrey Roundabout on Shrewsbury bypass, yesterday (Monday).

The tree has become a very popular festive landmark with thousands of motorists who drive along the bypass daily.

“We have decided to put the Christmas tree up and switch on the lights much earlier than usual this year to spread some extra festive cheer to the 10,000 motorists who use this roundabout every day,” explained Salop Leisure’s marketing manager Ed Glover. “We think everyone could do with some festive cheer in these challenging times.

“We have already had several social media messages from local Shropshire residents to say how glad they are that the Christmas tree is back this year because they loved seeing it last year.”

It seems that Salop Leisure is not alone in erecting its Christmas tree early, as many households already have their festive decorations on display to lift spirits.

Salop Leisure’s specialist plants centre, Love Plants, is now been selling freshly cut and potted Christmas trees after receiving enquiries from customers. Prices start at £22 for Nordman Fir, Fraser Fir, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce and Noble Fir trees

Salop Leisure always pulls out all the stops to celebrate Christmas and make the festive season memorable for customers of all ages.

This year continues the tradition as The Salop Christmas Adventure is scheduled to run from December 3 to 23 at the company’s Love2Stay resort where Covid-19 safety rules for customers and staff will be in place.

Festive attractions include Shrewsbury's largest outdoor synthetic skating rink, virtual Santa and Elf Dashes to raise money to support the good work of Shrewsbury Town in the Community, Santa’s Grotto, Tea with Santa, Christmas wreath making, festive afternoon tea and morning festive warmers for adults and craft activities and Christmas films for children.

For full details, visit https://www.salopchristmas.co.uk/