Some may have been deterred by the rain during the late afternoon, but by 7pm the weather had cleared and spectators were treated to a magnificent white and sapphire-blue, 10 metre tall light display.

Tourism manager Peter Caddey emceed the event and said he thought it was a fantastic evening, and that it was great so many people went down to support the event.

“Thankfully the rain stopped and the clouds parted, and we had a perfect evening of wonderful music before Allayah Higgins from Brighter Access turned the tree on,” Mr Caddey said.

Entertainment for the event was supplied by vocalists Jasmine, Emily and Mikayla Richter with Mikayla and Anna Casey-Ranson, who were accompanied by Chris Richter on the digital piano.

Council general manager Paul Henry said the colours of the tree were chosen for a reason.

“The blue reflects the sapphire and the white was chosen to stand out as a point of distinction to the opposing green background,” Mr Henry said.

Mr Henry said the tree was a joint community investment with Brighter Access, who contributed $12,000 towards the $40,000 cost of the tree.

At the opening, Mr Caddey hinted the tree was the first of more to come for Christmas in Inverell, and Mr Henry confirmed council would investigate the use of more lights in the future.

“The Public Art Sunset Committee have indicated they would like to look at ways to improve the aesthetics of Inverell and they will look at that over the next year,” he said.

Mr Henry said the committee was investigating the future use of solar lighting.