Picea abies outside of its native range, and one of the most economically important coniferous species in Europe. It is used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. It is also widely planted for use as a Christmas tree. Every Christmas, the Norwegian capital city, Oslo, provides the cities of London (the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree), Edinburgh and Washington D.C. with a Norway spruce, which is placed at the most central square of each city. This is mainly a sign of gratitude for the aid these countries gave during the Second World War. In North America, Norway spruce is widely planted,
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