Christmas tree appears in town centre more than 100 days early

A towering Christmas tree appeared in a town centre on one of the hottest days in August, baffling locals.

The festive fir appeared in Bromley, south-east London this week when temperatures topped 20 degrees.

Shoppers and passerbys were left scratching their heads – as December 25 is still 117 days away.

The tree is located at the top of the town’s high street, outside a large Primark store.

One shopper observed: ‘What’s that doing up this time of year? It’s so early.’

However, it’s not quite Christmas come early.

The local council said the tree is there as a prop for filming being done for a star-studded movie.

Scenes for Pillion, starring Alexander Skarsgard and Harry Melling, are being shot in Bromley on Thursday and Friday evening, according to the Telegraph.

But Bromley isn’t the only place baffled by an early onslaught of Christmas decor – B&M shoppers have discovered that the discount retail store has already started piling festive favourites onto its shelves.

As psychotherapist Kamalyn Kaur previously told Metro.co.uk, the main reason supermarkets prematurely put festive goods on sale is to encourage shoppers to consume more.

‘Shops will often strategically introduce seasonal items well in advance of the actual holiday or event to create a sense of anticipation and excitement that can prompt early purchases,’ Kamalyn explained.

‘Seeing products displayed now can serve as a visual or subconscious reminder of the event, which can encourage people to start planning their Christmas celebrations well in advance.’

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