Small town's Christmas display dubbed the "worst in history"
The Port Macquarie Council have been widely roasted online after the unveiling of their Christmas tree display, which has been dubbed the "worst in history".
Families and community members turned out by the hundreds to see NSW Central Coast town light up its Christmas tree last week, which was met with a very mixed reaction.
The long-anticipated reveal, which forced onlookers to wait until midnight for the lights to be turned on, was met with a chorus of disappointed sighs as the underwhelming tree was finally illuminated.
Families expecting a glowing symbol of Christmas cheer were instead treated to a sight of Christmas gloom with sad looking fairy light strings barely clinging onto the huge pine tree's branches.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council took the disappointment in its stride, mocking its own tree with an 'Instagram vs Reality' meme on Facebook.
"What can we say except ... you're welcome," the council wrote on Friday, alongside a smirk face emoji.
"With everything our community has been through recently, we know everyone appreciates a good laugh!"
"We are glad our very sad Christmas tree could provide that for everyone."
"So let's be real. Our poor tree does look like it was decorated by Santa after he's whizzed around the world and had too many eggnogs."
The council said its tree decoration was done with "the best of intentions" however "extraordinary winds and rain" had destroyed the lights.
"Just like the rest of us - she's battered and bruised, but she's still standing," they said.
Just days after the tree lights were turned on, the council confirmed it needed to strip the sad looking tree because it had become a "safety risk" to locals.
"We have enjoyed your good humour and appreciation of our abstract piece of art," the council joked.
"Unfortunately, the infamous lights will be removed, as they are slipping further down the tree and pose a safety risk and we are concerned if we leave the inflatable baubles up, we may not have any left by Christmas."
Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson later said the council was working hard to install their "original outdoor tree will be installed and working for everyone's enjoyment well before Christmas".
"Again, I am so thankful to the community for coming and celebrating. Merry Christmas to our wonderful, witty and resilient community," she said.
Image credits: Facebook