Italian town unveils Christmas tree made of lights

Lights on the Christmas tree, billed as the world's largest by the Guinness Book of Records, were turned on in the Italian town of Gubbio on Monday inaugurating this year's Christmas season.

Nearly 700 lights outline the shape of a Christmas tree on the slopes of the Ingino hill, which rises behind the medieval town in central Italy.

The record-breaking tree is 750 metres high, and uses 7.5 kilometres (5.2 miles) of cables to light it up. On top of the hill a 1,000 square meter shooting star completes the Christmas tree.

During a low-key ceremony due to the pandemic, the lights were turned on remotely by the town's mayor, Filippo Mario Stirati, and a fireworks display followed the lighting ceremony.

Colourful flag wavers performed in the city's main square for the first time without an audience, introducing the lighting of the tree.

The tradition of the giant tree in Gubbio goes back to 1981. The tree will remain lit up until January 9.