Trafalgar Square Authority in conjunction with the charity Unicef, who began ticketing the event to control crowd numbers. A Christmas ceremony has been held in the square every year since 1947. A Norway spruce (or sometimes a fir) is presented by Norway's capital city, Oslo as London's Christmas tree, a token of gratitude for Britain's support during World War II. (Besides war-time support, Norway's Prince Olav and the country's government lived in exile in London throughout the war.) The Christmas tree is decorated with lights that are switched on at a seasonal ceremony. It is usually held twelve days before Christmas Day.
1996 Trafalgar Square riots 1996 Trafalgar Square riots The 1996 Trafalgar Square riots in London occurred on 26 June 1996. After the England national football team were defeated by Germany in the knockout stage of UEFA Euro 1996 at Wembley Stadium, hooligans took over the Trafalgar Square in the West End of London. Up to 2,000 hooligans, many drunk, pelted police and civilians with bottles, smashed windows and shops and overturned cars. The Metropolitan Police deployed its public order unit in riot gear who were confronted by the hooligans. 66 people were injured and over 200 arrests were made. The events were a familiar