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Residents are furious a massive Christmas tree has been erected in a city centre more than two months before the big day. The 65ft (20m) fir was moved in to place in Birmingham's Victoria Square over the weekend in preparation for its annual German Market. Photographs show the giant tree tower above businesses on New Street in the heart of the city, and beside the council offices. Locals have complained it's "too soon" in the middle of October - before Halloween and Bonfire Night. Work is also being done to erect market stalls, way before the traditional Christmas period. Richard McQuaid, who lives in the King's Heath area of the city, said: "It would be nice if the council came and collected my bins this early - they need to get their priorities right. "While everywhere else is decorated for Halloween the square outside the council house looks more like it's the middle of December. It's still more than two months away from Christmas so it feels way too soon." The 39-year-old man reflected on the challenges residents have faced in Birmingham this year, following a lengthy bin strike that led to bags of rubbish piling street corners. Birmingham City Council, though, has pointed out the tree was put up by Frankfurt Christmas Market Ltd as part of the organisation's festivities, which commence on November 1, still nearly eight weeks before the big day. Another local Georgina Walsh, 31, of the Stechford neighbourhood, added: "The Christmas market is becoming more of a divisive issue in Brum - you either love it or hate it. "But to be talking about it in October while the leaves are still on the trees just feels wrong - get Halloween and Bonfire Night out of the way first." Others took to social media, with one person writing on X: "Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree…IT'S STILL OCTOBER!" #toosoon #bahhumbug #birmingham #germanmarket" Another added "No no no....too soon" while another commented: "You've got to be kidding, the kids have just gone back after summer...haven't they?" The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is due to open on November 1 and will run until December 24. A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: "The Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham opens on the 1st November and is run by Frankfurt Christmas Market Ltd, a dedicated organisation that manages the event logistics, stalls, entertainment, and overall experience. It is not a council run event. The tree installed in Victoria Square was installed by Frankfurt Christmas Market Ltd."
