THE REIGN OF THE CYCLEMAS TREE
27 NOVEMBER 2004 - 8 JANUARY 2005

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THE CYCLEMAS TREE DURING ITS REIGN
The Cyclemas Tree stood for 6 weeks in Gloucester Green, Oxford, next to the coach station. The golden reindeer cycle was a child-powered generator that lit up the streetlight at the top of the Cyclemas Tree. Cyclists were invited to lock their cycles to the police barriers surrounding the Cyclemas Tree as part of the piece.
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BUILDING THE CYCLEMAS TREE, MID NOVEMBER 2004
Oxford Cycle Workshop and Oxford City Council deliver dozens of derelict bicycles, volunteers and other workers prepare cycles and join them to scaffolding, the tree nearly rises at midnight before the procession.

THE PROCESSION: 10:43 AM - 12:32PM, 26 NOVEMBER 2004

THESE PHOTOS TO APPEAR IN DUE COURSE
Crisis befalls the Cyclemas Team as Tom, Michael, and Ted fail to raise the tree. The tree is finally erected successfully the following day, half-an-hour after camera crews assemble in front of Modern Art Oxford.


THE WAKE, GLOUCESTER GREEN: 10 AM, 8 JANUARY 2005
Tom removes the lamppost, the heavens open, pall-bearers assemble, Ted gives a eulogy. (The sign reads, "The cycles of Heaven bring us ever closer to the Dust", an adaptation of a quo).

THE FUNERAL, CENTRAL OXFORD: 10:14 AM
Sun comes out, cycle police join funeral procession, Tree makes its way down Worcester, Beaumont, and Magdalen Streets.

FUNERAL COFFEE BREAK MIRACLE, CORNMARKET: 11:00 AM
Tree is brought to rest in Cornmarket, Starbucks obliges with a coffee break, hats off as Great Tom rings 11 during "Conehenge" moment as sun lines up with Christchurch Tower and Cyclemas Tree. Procession continues, rising bollard is lowered as a sign of respect, cabbies and buses wait patiently and with good cheer.

THE BURIAL, MODERN ART OXFORD: 11:29 AM, 8 JANUARY 2005
Procession continues past Christ Church down St Aldgates, into Pembroke Street, and comes home. The pall-bearers drink ceremonial beverage out of conical paper cups.