Tall order putting lights on this tree.
Camera IconTall order putting lights on this tree. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Subiaco’s Christmas lights go up – and up

Montana ArdonWestern Suburbs Weekly

Emily Livingstone had only a rope harness as she pulled up 600 lights in a six-hour effort, which included half an hour scaling up the huge Norfolk pine.

Pedestrians stopped and marvelled at her agility as she dropped down ropes from the top to pull the lights up.

Ms Livingstone (36) has been climbing trees professionally for 10 years. This is her sixth year putting up the Christmas lights outside the Subiaco council offices.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

MORE: City of Subiaco giving voice to ideas

Communicating with a walkie-talkie from the top of the tree, she told the Western Suburbs Weekly it was a solo mission.

“There was one other woman doing it, but she’s had a baby so now it’s only me,” she said.

Like the two workers back on the ground helping her, Ms Livingstone wears safety gear, including a helmet.

The workers said she loved pulling up the 12 sets of 50 lights for Christmas, and she would be back climbing the huge Christmas tree in January to pull them down again.

The Subiaco council switched on the Christmas lights in front of excited children and their parents on Thursday as part of the first-ever Subiaco Christmas Night of Lights down Rokeby Road.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to get into the festive spirit in the heart of Subiaco,” Subiaco Mayor Heather Henderson said. The only thing missing was Emily, the real-life Christmas angel on top of the tree.