Monster gales days after Storm Arwen have left a huge city centre Christmas tree "looking like Leaning Tower of Pisa".
The bauble-festooned fir tree outside Manchester Cathedral is now veering perilously to one side and is roped off by security tape.
Dramatic photographs taken today show the slant of the 20ft-high tree - akin to a witch or wizard's hat.
Workers have been out today to try to get the tree back fully erect, reports Manchester Evening News.
But winds have continued to reach speeds of up to 30mph - and were around 40mph last night - in the city.
Revellers nevertheless braved the gales and the 5C temperatures last night to enjoy Manchester's Christmas market, ice rink and other festive features.
Pat Karney, Manchester Council's Christmas spokesman, said: "We will get it upright and in its proper position as soon as we can.
"The weather yesterday was really, really horrible and it looks like the tree has fallen victim to that."
The conditions were so grim in nearby Salford that the Lightwaves Festival, a light show, was cancelled last night.
Storm Arwen toppled the large Christmas tree in Audlem, Cheshire, just hours after the village's lights were switched on last week.
One villager, who saw the drama unfold and helped keep people safe, said: "The lights switch on was brilliant there were lots of people out, but the winds started to get up just as people were leaving.
"We were sat in the pub at around 10.30pm when we got a shout to say the tree had gone down outside, so we all helped to move it."
