City folk are getting their first glimpse of the festive structure replacing the Tunnel of Light as it is constructed in Hay Hill.

The light-strung metal cube, called the Canopy of Lights, was described by Norwich BID as the “first of its kind lighting installation” when plans were unveiled. 

But locals have been left feeling underwhelmed as it is set up ahead of the lights being switched on this Thursday.

Sandy Cooper from Catfield said: "It looks very metallic.

"I can imagine that people will get dripped on badly when it rains."

"There are people out there who do more in their gardens than this," added her husband, Bob.

Sandy and Bob Cooper live in Catfield and are in their 70sSandy and Bob Cooper live in Catfield and are in their 70s (Image: Newsquest)

Hannah Nisbett, 22 from Poringland added: "It is good to do something different but this isn't on the same scale as the tunnel.

"Drunk people will climb the legs of it at night if they aren't wrapped in something. They will have to get security to stop teenagers from making a bad choice."

Alfie Moss, 22, from ReephamAlfie Moss, 22, from Reepham (Image: Newsquest)

Alfie Moss, 22 from Reepham, said: "People will find it harder to take a photo – everyone used to take selfies in the tunnel.

"I'm glad that it is in the heart of Hay Hill now that it has been renovated and it will be good to make a focal point of the area."

READ MORE: City folk left underwhelmed by 'one of a kind' Tunnel of Light replacement

When the plans for the structure was unveiled last month Stefan Gurney, executive director of Norwich BID said: "Norwich BID is excited to be bringing a bespoke, first-of-its-kind lighting installation to the city for Christmas 2024.

Work is nearly finished on the new light installationWork is nearly finished on the new light installation (Image: Sonya Duncan) "Formed of entirely LED lights, the installation will act as an extension to the existing lighting scheme which was refreshed last year, making it the most sustainable lighting scheme in Norwich to date.

"We look forward to unveiling the new installation at the switch-on event and bringing a new festive experience to the city visitors."

The lights will be switched on for the first time on November 14The lights will be switched on for the first time on November 14 (Image: Sonya Duncan) The Canopy of Light will be lit up for the first time during the Norwich Christmas lights switch-on event on November 14.

Provided by Norwich BID, with support from Norwich City Council, this year's lighting scheme is powered by 100pc renewable energy.

A stage in front of City Hall will host an evening of entertainment from 5.30pm to 7.05pm, with the light switch-on at 7pm.