The town’s much-anticipated real Christmas tree has arrived in Ipswich.

The 40ft tall tree from Elveden Farms Ltd was transported to the town centre overnight and workmen have finally installed it pride of place on the Cornhill.

The tree’s branches will be allowed to drop overnight before the lights and decorations are placed on Monday morning by Target Animations.

Ipswich Star: The real Christmas tree has arrived in Ipswich. Picture: TOM POTTERThe real Christmas tree has arrived in Ipswich. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

Laura Handford, from Elveden Christmas Trees, said: “The tree came overnight from a forest that we manage called Kielder Forest in Northumberland.

“It’s a 40ft Sitka spruce bound with strings to transport and keep the branches intact. Once the strings are released, the branches will splay but they need up to 24 hours to settle.

Ipswich Star: The wooden hoarding around the base of the tree will be designed to look like a barrel. Picture: TOM POTTERThe wooden hoarding around the base of the tree will be designed to look like a barrel. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)

“The tree is inspired by the Covent Garden tree. We are also doing the tree at Observation Point on the South Bank.”

The tree, which has been provided by Ipswich Central and supported by the Ipswich Star, will then be lit up on Thursday at 6.45pm.

Ipswich Star: The real Christmas tree has been installed on Ipswich Cornhill.Picture: MATT STOTTThe real Christmas tree has been installed on Ipswich Cornhill.Picture: MATT STOTT (Image: Archant)

The Christmas tree and banner lights across the town’s main shopping streets will be switched on by Ipswich mayor Sarah Barber, her four-year-old nephew Olen Abraham and inspirational 91-year-old John Morley, who earlier this year abseiled down the side of Ipswich Hospital dressed as Spiderman to raise money for good causes.

The artificial bauble tree which has been on the Cornhill over the past few years has been relocated to Ipswich Waterfront where it has been placed next to the University of Suffolk question mark sculpture.

Ipswich Star: The real Christmas tree has arrived in Ipswich. Picture: TOM POTTERThe real Christmas tree has arrived in Ipswich. Picture: TOM POTTER (Image: Archant)