Yahoo News ‘What’s it got to do with Christmas?’ Giant neon marmot replaces tree in town’s £20,000 festive decorations – and residents aren’t happy
’Tis the season for reindeer, robins and, er, rodents?
A giant neon marmot has been unveiled as the centrepiece of a town’s Christmas decorations. Sadly, not everyone is feeling festive about it.
The 16ft creature – complete with earmuffs and skis – has replaced a traditional tree on the lawns outside Alton’s 19th century Assembly Rooms.
But residents in the Hampshire town have already nicknamed the display Marmite the Marmot – because they either love it or hate it. Many have questioned both its appropriateness to the season and whether it could be considered tasteful.
“What is this hideous thing and what has it got to do with Christmas?” asked one, Sarah Jones, on Facebook.
“I just don’t understand,” another, Emma English, wrote. “Whatever it is… it’s embarrassing and just plain ugly.”
Nonetheless, the newcomer also has his fans. “I think it’s fantastic,” noted Caroline Wren. “Children will love this and Christmas is for them, after all.”
Alton Town Council has also doubled down on its decision to buy the giant marmot, which was purchased for £4,200 and forms the centrepiece of the community’s £20,000 display.
A spokesperson said the design was chosen “to bring a smile to people’s faces, particularly children”, and added that it had already received more than 25,000 views on Facebook.
Clerk Leah Coney added: “Christmas is now such a diverse time of year. It’s not just about the traditional, now, and everything is pretty secular in its outlook.
“We used to have a traditional tree outside the Assembly Rooms but some people would say it was boring so we thought we’d do something quirky and hope to attract more people to the town and give the high street a boost.
“You are never going to please all the people all the time and, in many ways, we have achieved what we wanted, which was to get people talking about Alton.”
The rodent was put up on Tuesday and will remain in place until January.
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