Shopping centre welcomes first ever Christmas tree

3 December 2025

John Devine,in Peterboroughand

Shariqua Ahmed

Rob Brownlee said the tree was a fantastic addition to the Bretton Centre

John Devine/BBC Rob, a man, wearing a black woollen hat and a black hoodie, smiling for camera. A green fur tree is behind him, and a concrete 1960s block in the background. — Rob Brownlee said the tree was a fantastic addition to the Bretton Centre

Residents and businesses have been celebrating the first ever Christmas tree at their local shopping centre.

A 12ft-tall (3.7m) tree has been put up at the Bretton Centre in Peterborough and decorated with battery-operated lights.

The initiative was led by Peterborough city councillor Richard Strangward who praised businesses chipping in to make the festive display happen.

Rob Brownlee, who runs a fish and chip shop, said it was "heart-warming to see the community come together".

"People of Bretton are proud of the area. People love the centre and the area and are happy to see the tree," said Mr Brownlee.

A light switch-on ceremony was held at the centre in Rightwell Way on Monday evening, which featured Peterborough United's floppy-haired mascot Peter Burrow.

Labour councillor for Bretton Richard Strangward said the Christmas tree had become the "heart" of the centre

John Devine/BBC Richard, a man, wearing a black hooded jacket, standing in front of a green tree, smiling for camera. — Labour councillor for Bretton Richard Strangward said the Christmas tree had become the "heart" of the centre

Labour councillor Strangward said: "[The light switch-on] was a fantastic night for Bretton.

"The reaction has been very positive and we have bigger plans for next year."

A lights switch-on event was held at the Bretton Centre on Monday evening

Richard Strangward The Peterborough United mascot, a white rabbit, wearing a blue shirt and blue shorts holding an inflated orange and green carrot. — A lights switch-on event was held at the Bretton Centre on Monday evening

Regular shopper at the centre Helen Al-sheba said it was a "lovely tree".

While Chantelle Branch, from Westwood, said the tree "brings the community together."

Gemma Spridgeon said "it was great" to finally have a tree at the Bretton Centre

John Devine/BBC Gemma, a woman, with black hair, smiling for the camera. The tree is behind her. She is outside and there is a 1960s concrete building in the background. — Gemma Spridgeon said "it was great" to finally have a tree at the Bretton Centre

Gemma Spridgeon, manager at a retail shop at the Bretton Centre, said: "There is normally a lot of anti-social behaviour around here so actually seeing something decent for once and everyone happy, makes a difference.

"Finally, Bretton is becoming a bit lively."

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