YOU either love it or you hate it!

But there’s one thing for sure – it seems everyone is talking about the town’s sparkling new Christmas tree.

Featuring 41 aluminium spheres and covered with more than 40,000 low energy LED lights, the tree continues to attract attention – with scores of visitors gathering around it for photo opportunities and to get a glimpse of the festive feature.

And while some shoppers told The Ipswich Star they enjoyed the modern twist this year, others said they preferred a more traditional theme for the town’s Christmas centrepiece.

Paul Clement, chief executive of Ipswich Central, said he was pleased people were talking about the tree – whether they liked it or not.

“This is the most talked about tree in East Anglia, probably in the UK this year,” he said.

“Love it or hate it, everyone is talking about it, and thousands of people are heading into Ipswich to see it and make up their own minds.

“Most other towns would give their right arm to have this amount of conversation about them at this time of year.”

Shopper Dennis Nedd said: “I would have just liked a normal Christmas tree. I keep wondering when the real tree and decorations are going to be delivered.”

Meanwhile, Tracy Burnham, who was also in the town centre yesterday, said: “I think it looks a lot better than what we normally have in the town at Christmas. I think it’s really nice and it’s pretty.”

Thousands flocked to the Cornhill on Sunday, pictured, to see the unveiling of the Christmas decorations, with more than 250,000 low energy bulbs illuminating the streets of the town centre.

In total, �100,000 has been invested in the lights, which stretch through the town down to the Waterfront.

The cash for the decorations has come from Ipswich Central and Ipswich Borough Council.

The lights and the tree will be in place until January 5.