Downing Street Christmas Tree Signals The Start Of The Festive Season

A 20 ft tall Nordmann Fir took its prestigious place outside Downing Street today after making its way from the award-winning York Christmas Trees.

The family firm has the honour of providing the Downing Street Christmas Tree after winning Champion Christmas Tree Grower of the Year in an annual competition run by the British Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA).

Will and Ella Miles of Welford Christmas Tree Farm, Northampton have provided the wreath for the door of 10 Downing Street after winning the Champion Festive Wreath category.

The Christmas tree was dressed by Charlotte Gilbert of Woods Farm Christmas Trees, Solihull and Jane Ingram of The Tree Barn, Watlington, Oxfordshire.

Heather Parry, Managing Agent for BCTGA said:
“Today is a symbolic moment which shows the start of a Christmas which we have all been so focussed on. It was a significant boost that the Government supported our members, recognising that Christmas trees are essential at this time of year and that the selling season is short; whilst understanding consumers are particularly keen to get their decorations up this year.”

The annual British Christmas Tree Growers Association competition has been run since 1999 and York Christmas Trees is the first winner from the north of England.

Oliver Combe owner of York Christmas Trees said:
“We are a small family run Christmas tree business based on a farm just outside York and to be given the chance to provide the tree for Downing Street is incredibly exciting and a great reward for all the hard work that our team puts in throughout the year.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Huge congratulations to all this year’s competition winners. We’re delighted that York Christmas Trees has provided the Downing Street tree this year which I hope will be enjoyed by many.

“These beautiful trees and wreaths are the first step to bringing us some festive cheer in what has ultimately been a very challenging year for us all.”